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
  • Once tasks are entered, Project can automatically calculate start and end dates based on dependencies.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2026
  • True flexibility and control are both predicated on an organization’s ability to see every part of their infrastructure, from the dependencies that support critical business processes to the ways that their AI applications communicate.
    — Pavel Bykov, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of dependencies
Noun
  • More specifically, insects are invertebrates (animals without backbones) and are part of the arthropod phylum, which also includes spiders, crabs, and centipedes.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • Located in Rimini, San Patrignano is the largest halfway house in Europe and has been offering people with drug addictions the tools to build a new life since 1978.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Shot over a period of five years, the film follows Ljubojacki’s brother and two cousins whose addictions are slowly destroying their relationships and homes.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of addictions
Noun
  • The announcement has sparked concern among families who view these schools as community anchors.
    — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Capp’s flagship class on the Vietnam War’s impact on American religion and culture became a national sensation, drawing praise from members of Congress, television news anchors, and public intellectuals.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • Volkswagen’s prosperity was recently based on two pillars – huge profits earned in China, and the highly successful German base where its engineers led the world for decades in making and exporting advanced sedans and SUVs.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Narrower set of engines Next week's nonfarm payrolls report could also give some reassurance on how the economy is doing, which remains robust but with weakening pillars of support.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of pillars

Browse Nearby Words

dependence
dependences
dependencies
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Cite this Entry

“Dependences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependences. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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