1
as in spine
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal
found the backbone of a fish lying on the beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in courage
the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship
it takes backbone to stand up to the kind of suffering that some cancer patients must endure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backbone
When the political system breaks down and legislatures bow to popular hostility, the judiciary must be the Constitution's backbone.
—
Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
One of the many Italian districts building the backbone of Made in Italy, the region has long been a renowned hub of fashion manufacturing, particularly praised for its tanneries, leather goods workshops and garment-making ateliers.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Indeed, Rack’s growth isn’t only about numbers but a movement to honor tradespeople, protect communities, and preserve the small businesses that have long been the backbone of American life.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Here’s what experts have said about the Valkyries through their first 10 games:
A team of international hoopers
The backbone of Golden State’s roster starts with its international players.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
One of the many Italian districts building the backbone of Made in Italy, the region has long been a renowned hub of fashion manufacturing, particularly praised for its tanneries, leather goods workshops and garment-making ateliers.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Indeed, Rack’s growth isn’t only about numbers but a movement to honor tradespeople, protect communities, and preserve the small businesses that have long been the backbone of American life.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Here’s what experts have said about the Valkyries through their first 10 games:
A team of international hoopers
The backbone of Golden State’s roster starts with its international players.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Equally worrying for Inzaghi will be just how much his core players have left in the tank; most of the spine of this team played big minutes across their three group games with minimal opportunity for rest or rotation.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
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Best mattress deals for back sleepers Back sleepers should choose a mattress that provides a balance of support and comfort to maintain the natural curvature of the spine.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Some have said his victory gave them the courage to come out to their families and friends, and even to themselves.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
-
Katz emphasizes Adams’ courage in publishing Lesbian Love.—
Kellie B. Gormly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Their courage and fortitude are coupled with gratitude and are free from complaint.—
Chris Harris,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
What kind of fortitude, what kind of lack of temptation to over expand?—
EW.com,
EW.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
In the article, Fashion for Good argues that the generalization that cotton is a thirsty crop and claims that one kilogram of cotton fiber consumes 20,000 liters of water is inaccurate.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
26 June 2025
-
One medium-sized banana contains 0.7 grams of prebiotic fiber and 3 grams of total fiber.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Eighth Round - Paul 10-9 (Paul 80-72) Paul’s stamina is still his biggest issue.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Both encounters precise use of parries, dodging, and strategic stamina management to overcome the enemy, and were easily the most riveting parts of the overall preview.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
This formula strikes the perfect balance between grit and hydration—natural sea salt boosts volume and definition, while moringa seed oil helps lock in moisture and adds a healthy sheen to curls and waves.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
30 June 2025
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Fatigue is reframed as grit, while emotional exhaustion is labeled as discipline, and recovery is viewed as optional.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
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The ship's new namesake, Oscar V. Peterson, was a naval officer who was killed in World War II and posthumously granted a Medal of Honor by Congress for bravery during the war.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
27 June 2025
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Ideas flowed from product engineers to senior leaders, creating a shared sense of bravery, purpose and camaraderie.—
Stephen McKeown,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The network of community leaders and officials all questioned the administration’s determination that Haiti is now safe enough for people to return.—
Churchill Ndonwie,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
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The increasingly obvious awfulness of Dave’s book gives Smollett some great reaction work amid all Michelle’s pained determination.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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