depend

[dih-pend] / dɪˈpɛnd /

VERB

count on, rely upon

Synonyms

WEAK

bank on bet bottom dollar on bet on build upon calculate on confide in gamble on lay money on lean on reckon on trust in turn to

VERB

be contingent on

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hinge on rest on revolve around

STRONG

bottom found ground hang rest stay

WEAK

be at mercy of be based on be conditioned be connected with be determined by be in control of be in the power of be subject to be subordinate to hang in suspense hang on pend rest with revolve on stand on trust to turn on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“These are children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities whose independence and quality of life depend on these services every single day.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Millions of Americans depend on Social Security for some, if not all, of their retirement income.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Schrödinger's definitions of hue, saturation, and lightness depend on where a color sits in relation to that axis, yet he never formally defined the axis itself.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

And the power of empires, which depend on free trade, is threatened.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Herbert’s representations that, if I did, I should probably be laid up and stricken useless, when our fugitive’s safety would depend upon me, alone restrained my impatience.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Vocabulary lists containing depend

"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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Sarah, Plain and Tall

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"How Do We Use Water?"

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