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
  • These incidents typically involved ships that dragged their anchors over unusually long periods of time.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Some supporting players go underutilized (Jack as well as the scheming, wannabe power couple, Oscar and Enid), while unworthy regulars become story anchors entrusted with too much emotional weight.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • For families There’s a comprehensive Ritz Kids program built around four pillars—nature, exploration, culture, and environment—with eco-workshops, nature walks, and babysitting available.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The ceremony took place outdoors, framed by the villa’s stone pillars and the mountains beyond, and the couple kept the floral palette intentionally organic, creating the effect of a garden growing around the aisle.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 29 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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