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

Polygonum multiflorum may help prevent follicle cells from dying too early, which is important because healthy follicles depend on active, living cells to maintain the hair growth cycle.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

It is the founding concept of modern social science: David Hume’s theory of the balance of trade and Adam Smith’s conception of the market depend on the concept of a feedback mechanism.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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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