variants
also dependances
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependences
Noun
-
The new framework removes these dependencies by learning from non-visual sensor data.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Apr. 2026
-
This restructuring is further propelled by direct funding relationships, corporate partnerships, and platform dependencies involving Big Tech companies.—
Dr. Timothy Scott,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hundreds of animals with backbones are still being discovered every single year.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
-
To start the new Mideast war, Donnie acted on his own with no resistance from his sycophants, who have no backbones.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This grouped gambling with alcohol use disorder and other addictions.—
Alex Hogan,
STAT,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Newer ones such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, broadly known as GLP-1s, have exploded in popularity for weight loss and have shown promise for treating other conditions, such as addictions and neurodegenerative and liver diseases.—
Anjeanette Damon,
ProPublica,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With an early Season 3 renewal already secured, Your Friends & Neighbors continues to build on its sharp examination of privilege, consequence and the human need for connection, with Hall’s Ali Cooper emerging as one of its more compelling emotional anchors.—
Scott Shilstone,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
-
To stabilize the suspension system, tunnel anchors (deep chambers in the rock to secure the main cables) were dug about 310 feet (94 meters) deep for each bridge tower.—
Aman Kumar,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Here, a stucco-and-stone entry provides a contrasting warmth through the simple addition of wooden pillars on the porch.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Swisher has taken some strategies with her for these pillars of wellness.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dependences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependences. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
