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

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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
  • If the underlying environment has unclear ownership, fragmented access controls or unknown dependencies, additional technological capability may simply increase existing complexity.
    — Chandini Sheeba, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • That distinction shows both the opportunity for American technology and the limits imposed by remaining dependencies.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of dependencies
Noun
  • Also with a real understanding that girls and women are the backbones not just of our families, but our communities and our democracy.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The structural backbones of the phalanges are 3D-printed from PLA, while soft silicone interfaces provide friction and compliance when the fingers contact a branch.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • In the last year, a few companies have begun to market off-label prescriptions of GLP-1s, both branded and compounded, to treat alcohol use disorder and other addictions.
    — Katie Palmer, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026
  • With the exception of gambling disorder, behavioral addictions have received slim recognition in psychiatry’s diagnostic manuals—although doctors and researchers often still treat them as legitimate and potentially devastating disorders.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of addictions
Noun
  • But despite this, they were still conceived of as being located within the mounds themselves, real-world anchors for these strange, marvelous realms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is honoring longtime WBZ-TV News anchors Lisa Hughes and David Wade with a prestigious award.
    — WBZ-News Staff, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • All that remained of Sara’s home were pillars of concrete; most of their belongings were below the rubble.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dedicated to the god Amun, it is known for its beautiful pillars and intricate carvings.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pillars

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Cite this Entry

“Dependences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependences. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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