dependences

noun

variants also dependances
plural of dependence
1
as in dependencies
the quality or state of needing something or someone a baby's total dependence upon his or her parents for every one of life's needs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in backbones
something or someone to which one looks for support ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in addictions
a physiological need for certain drugs acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dependences So, here was Ondaatje just writing about his day-t0-day, grappling with the intense swings of emotion any parent must reckon with as their children grow into autonomy, forever leaving behind the heartbreakingly sweet (and frequently tedious) dependences of childhood. — Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependences
  1. dependencies
  2. backbones
  3. addictions
  4. anchors
  5. pillars
Noun
  • System Drift The AI, its data, workflow, technical dependencies, or operating environment changes in a consequential way.
    — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But through legal talent, legal reputation, and economic dependencies, the United States has remained a focal point in global law.
    — Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependencies
Noun
  • Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026
  • Data centers also need to be close enough to users and network backbones to provide fast digital services.
    — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • But in its inclusions and exclusions, the doc lets viewers draw some conclusions about him and his own addictions to repeatedly telling stories in this vein.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, those with chronic addictions who are poor (because rich people with addictions are rarely as visible) will continue to be swept up, and left with a system riddled with false promises and real penalties.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of addictions
Noun
  • Just as a morning show producer may prep the anchors to discuss what’s trending that day, brand studios want to be able to jump on those trends, too.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Sunspot regions act like magnetic anchors, creating structures that can appear as spikes or streamers extending in different directions.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • The living space would be elevated on pillars with parking and storage underneath — a common design along the coast.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This blueprint needs to be built around three fundamental pillars.
    — Michael Posner, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pillars

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Dependences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependences. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dependences

Nglish: Translation of dependences for Spanish Speakers

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