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
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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
-
Each side has taken steps to lessen dependencies on the other.—
Youyou Zhou,
Washington Post,
14 May 2026
-
Preventing this crisis will require the United States to not just onshore previous-generation dependencies, but lead in production of the next generation of battery technology.—
Gene Berdichevsky,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
As songwriters, the Ottavianos usually only needed a metaphor, a single beautiful image, or a fun double entendre to serve as narrative backbones.—
Billie Bugara,
Pitchfork,
26 Apr. 2026
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There's also a perception that squishy invertebrates — creatures without backbones — weren't formidable enough to join the ranks of top predators.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Through years of advocating for children, the princess—and mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—has come to understand that some of society’s most serious problems, from addictions to poor mental health, have their roots in the first five years of an individual’s life.—
Roberta Mercuri,
Vanity Fair,
6 May 2026
-
Not good due to all the fires, empty reservoir, crime, high taxes, homeless and drug addictions, etc.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
For the Kansas test, researchers cut around 40% of the house’s anchors to the ground and hit it again, first with 110 mph, and finally 130 mph.—
Alexandra Phelps,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
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Alumnae have become actors, anchors, authors and more.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Alongside schools and transportation, public safety is one of the foundational pillars of a strong and growing county.—
Nick Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
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Give me 20 ideas across my content pillars of [list 3-4 themes].—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dependences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependences. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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