dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
Synonyms of dependencynext
1
: dependence sense 1
2
: something that is dependent on something else
especially : a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3
: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

Synonyms of dependency

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Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil a dependency on foreign oil
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s hopefully not imposed by economic dependency or an inability to love outside your ethnicity or religion or language. — Gloria Steinem, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026 But political will in Washington to reduce dependencies on China in the power stack is rising, Iyer added. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 Emerging markets such as India, which entered the top 20 markets two years ago and now ranks 15th for Swiss watch exports by size, and Mexico are also contributing to a lessening of the dependency on wavering top markets, in particular China. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 This is where choices about models, vendors or agents can become dependencies, shaping business outcomes long after whoever chose them has moved on. — Atul Sabharwal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependency

Word History

Etymology

depend(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Rhymes for dependency

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Browse Nearby Words

dependence
dependency
dependent
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Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
1
: dependence sense 1
2
: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
: dependence

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dependency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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