as in vertebra
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal
he hurt his spine in the accident, but the doctor says he'll be walking again in no time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 spine
Hiroshige’s dramatic composition contrasting nature and civilization creates a sense of movement and immediacy, and sends a shiver down the viewer’s spine—a feeling that García Sánchez also tried to capture.
—
Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Spinal stenosis, which causes the spinal column to tighten, and kyphosis, which causes a curved spine, are two types.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 1 Nov. 2025
Backing up that attacking ambition is a spine that should be pushing for the top half.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
These chairs all feature many adjustment points (like armrests, lumbar support, and seat depth), and most have high backs to support your entire spine.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Spinal stenosis, which causes the spinal column to tighten, and kyphosis, which causes a curved spine, are two types.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 1 Nov. 2025
Backing up that attacking ambition is a spine that should be pushing for the top half.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
These chairs all feature many adjustment points (like armrests, lumbar support, and seat depth), and most have high backs to support your entire spine.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
Noun
-
The team identified a continuous midline feature that began as a fleshy crest along the neck and trunk and transitioned over the hips into a single row of spikes running down the tail — each spike positioned over a single vertebra and fitted to each other.—
Abhishek Bhardwaj,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Poking out of the vertical wall of a cutbank in a seasonally dry river was a vertebra – part of the backbone – and some ossified tendons.—
Paul C. Sereno,
The Conversation,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Technology is another pillar of OACEUS's success, serving as the backbone that connects every aspect of its health ecosystem.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The tourism industry, the backbone of Jamaica’s economy, is watching closely.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
São Paulo State Military Police found Jankavski’s body in underwear, with an injury to her left eye and marks on her back.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Having had long hair for the majority of my life, getting my strands to grow anywhere past my shoulders, and eventually down to at least the bra strap across my back felt like some sort of accomplishment.—
Kayla Greaves,
Essence,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share