as in backbones
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spines
The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.
—
Chloe Shrager, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
They are characterized by being a white fungus with downward cascading spines and are typically found in the fall.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
Tonight, the spider will continue its lattice; tonight, the crystals will sprout spines, shredding my soft tissues.
—Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Wear thick gloves to protect yourself from spines, needles, and sap.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
How Scientists Confirmed the Species The study said the new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
The new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features, the study said.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
The two Spinosaurus species, which were contemporaneous, shared the same general body plan including long dorsal spines forming the sail-like structure and a skull adapted for hunting fish.
—Reuters, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
The spines are soft, not sharp, so this cactus won’t hurt you.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Chloe Shrager, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
They are characterized by being a white fungus with downward cascading spines and are typically found in the fall.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
Tonight, the spider will continue its lattice; tonight, the crystals will sprout spines, shredding my soft tissues.
—Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
Wear thick gloves to protect yourself from spines, needles, and sap.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
How Scientists Confirmed the Species The study said the new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
The new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features, the study said.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
The two Spinosaurus species, which were contemporaneous, shared the same general body plan including long dorsal spines forming the sail-like structure and a skull adapted for hunting fish.
—Reuters, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
The spines are soft, not sharp, so this cactus won’t hurt you.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spines
Noun
-
Hundreds of animals with backbones are still being discovered every single year.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
-
To start the new Mideast war, Donnie acted on his own with no resistance from his sycophants, who have no backbones.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Schiaparelli continues with the Directoire line in August, but lowered backs.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
-
What was a surprise was that all four of Miami’s top running backs stayed with the team.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spines. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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