Meaning & use

interdependent

adjective·Academic

Depending on each other; mutually reliant for support, function, or survival.

See it in a sentence

The species in the coral reef are interdependent, each relying on others for food or shelter.

Modern economies are interdependent, so a slowdown in one country ripples through many others.

A note on using this word

Interdependent implies a two-way relationship of reliance, unlike "dependent," which suggests reliance in only one direction.

Words with a similar meaning

interrelatedmutually dependent

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

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