dependences

variants also dependances
Definition of dependencesnext
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

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependences
Noun
  • The popular code library is just one example of the broader problem of critical software dependencies that have never been seriously audited.
    Evan Johnson, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The developer just adds it to their dependencies and calls a function to wrap the key.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • And for a growing contingent inside and outside of Washington, there are concerns over fraud, insider trading and gambling addictions.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
  • This grouped gambling with alcohol use disorder and other addictions.
    Alex Hogan, STAT, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Entrepreneurs can look for moments where values meet action and use those as narrative anchors.
    Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In the foyer, a Sol LeWitt wall drawing anchors the entry — less of a decorative accent than statement of intent.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Downriver from the Shoshone Falls are the Pillar Falls, a low waterfall split by rock pillars.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
  • As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependences. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dependences

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster