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.

Cauich: Ronaldo will shine alongside Portugal, a team that doesn’t depend on him anymore.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 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

AI is a unique and formidable challenge to our humanity that we must take seriously, as if our livelihoods and lives depend on it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

In the same way, the speed of light should depend on whether you are running toward or running away from the lightbulb that’s shining on you.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

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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