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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependences
Noun
-
Both create different dependencies — and, therefore, different geopolitical risks.—
Vivian Toh,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026 -
Europe developed too many dependencies on gas with Russia, on security with the United States, and on trade with China.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many are Latin American or African immigrants working in the agricultural, tourism or service sectors, backbones of Spain’s booming economy.—
Renata Brito,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In the economy of tomorrow, community colleges and vocational-technical schools—optimized for true lifelong learning with apprenticeship and mentorship programs—will likely be the backbones of public and private education alike.—
Eric Holcomb,
Time,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In light of our mass smartphone and social-media addictions, a TV habit seems almost benign.—
Hermione Hoby,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Proposition 47’s reduction in penalties for theft and drug offenses led to minimal consequences for repeat offenders, creating a lack of incentives to stop their criminal behavior or seek help for their addictions.—
Mike Hestrin,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While excavating the River Wear, archaeologists uncovered more than 800 whetstones — stone tools that were used to sharpen weapons and other tools — as well as 11 stone anchors believed to be linked to river transport.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
So what does that mean for metro Des Moines, where companies like Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Nationwide Mutual Insurance are anchors of the Iowa capital's downtown?—
Bill Steiden,
Des Moines Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As of last year, more than 140 countries had, in theory, agreed to the pillars.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Rich magenta hues fill the sky as distinct pillars also start to take form.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dependences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependences. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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