Dependent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /di-ˈpen-dənt/ de·pen·dent

Meaning & Definition of Dependent

Dependent (adjective)

  1. determined or conditioned by another, contingent
  2. relying on another for support
  3. affected with a drug dependence

Dependent (noun)

  1. one that is dependent; especially, a person who relies on another for support
  2. dependency

Dependent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. extending freely from a support from above

    "the dependent willow branches swayed in the gentle breeze"

    similar: dangling, hanging, pendent, pendulous, suspended
    related: drooping, flagging, lolling, sagging, wilting

  2. determined by something else

    "our going to the movies tonight is dependent on whether or not we have any money left after we eat out"

    similar: conditional, contingent (on or upon), subject (to), tentative
    related: liable, open, susceptible, limited, modified, qualified, restricted, debatable, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, iffy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, uncertain
    opposite: independent, unconditional
    near: absolute, all-out, arrant, categorical, complete, consummate, out-and-out, outright, perfect, simple, total, ultimate, unadulterated, unalloyed, unconditional, unequivocal, unmitigated, unqualified, utter, basal, basic, fundamental, primary

Dependent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in parasite, sycophant

    similar: bloodsucker, freeloader, free rider, hanger-on, leech, moocher, parasite, sponge, sponger, flunky, henchman, lackey, satellite, stooge, sycophant, toady, yes-man, cheapskate, miser, piker, scrooge, skinflint, tightwad, deadbeat, idler
    opposite: benefactor, philanthropist, supporter

Related Entry: Self-dependent (adjective)

Self-dependent is a different word from Dependent. The synonyms below are for self-dependent, not for dependent.

  1. able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help

    "a program to help teenagers become self-dependent"

    similar: independent, self-reliant, self-subsistent, self-subsisting, self-sufficient, self-supported, self-supporting, self-sustained, self-sustaining
    related: autonomous, free, self-determining, potent, powerful, resilient, strong
    opposite: dependent, reliant
    near: helpless, inadequate, incompetent, insufficient, impotent, weak

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dependent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dependent:

dangling, hanging, pendent, pendulous, suspended, conditional, contingent (on or upon), subject (to), tentative, bloodsucker, freeloader, free rider, hanger-on, leech, moocher, parasite, sponge, sponger, flunky, henchman, lackey, satellite, stooge, sycophant, toady, yes-man, cheapskate, miser, piker, scrooge, skinflint, tightwad, deadbeat, idler

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Dependent

Words with the opposite meaning of Dependent:

independent, unconditional, benefactor, philanthropist, supporter

Related Words for Dependent

drooping, flagging, lolling, sagging, wilting, liable, open, susceptible, limited, modified, qualified, restricted, debatable, disputable, doubtable, doubtful, iffy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, uncertain

Near Antonyms of Dependent

absolute, all-out, arrant, categorical, complete, consummate, out-and-out, outright, perfect, simple, total, ultimate, unadulterated, unalloyed, unequivocal, unmitigated, unqualified, utter, basal, basic, fundamental, primary

Word Forms of Dependent

Derived words: dependently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Dependent

Middle English dependaunt, borrowed from Anglo-French dependant, present participle of dependre "to be pending, depend"

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dependent

Words & Phrases Containing Dependent

dependent variable, dependent clause, insulin-dependent diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, self-dependent, chemically dependent

Frequently Asked Questions about Dependent

What does "Dependent" mean?

"Dependent" means determined or conditioned by another, contingent. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: determined or conditioned by another, contingent. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Dependent"?

Other words for "Dependent" include dangling, hanging, pendent, pendulous, suspended, conditional, contingent (on or upon) and subject (to). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dependent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dependent"?

There are 57 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dependent". Common alternatives include dangling, hanging, pendent, pendulous, suspended, conditional, contingent (on or upon), subject (to), tentative and bloodsucker.

What is the opposite of "Dependent"?

Antonyms of "Dependent" include independent, unconditional, benefactor, philanthropist and supporter. Near antonyms include absolute, all-out, arrant and categorical.

How do you use "Dependent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dependent" in a sentence: "the dependent willow branches swayed in the gentle breeze"; "our going to the movies tonight is dependent on whether or not we have any money left after we eat out".

Is "Dependent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dependent" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Dependent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Dependent" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Dependent"?

"Dependent" is pronounced /di-ˈpen-dənt/ and divided into syllables as de·pen·dent.