1. plural of dependence; the state of relying on or needing someone or something for support, supply, or existence
Usage: most common sense; often used in contexts of addiction, relationships, or economics
2. plural of dependence; a territory or region under the control or sovereignty of another country
Usage: political/geographical sense; less common in everyday usage

Examples

• Many people struggle with dependences on social media and smartphones.
• The country's economic dependences on oil exports made it vulnerable to price fluctuations.
• Breaking free from substance dependences requires professional help and support.
• The island's dependences on imported food created supply chain challenges.
• Childhood dependences on parents gradually decrease as children mature.
• The company reduced its dependences on a single supplier by diversifying.
• Historical dependences between colonial powers and their territories shaped modern politics.