backbone

noun

ˈbak-ˈbōn How to pronounce backbone (audio)
Definition of backbonenext
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

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 backbone The language that's known as the backbone of the internet is now subject to what experts describe as one of the most notable vulnerabilities in recent memory. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 The arthropod group includes animals that are without a backbone or any bones at all, strictly speaking, their bodies being encased in a ringed, exterior tegument and having legs and, sometimes, wings. — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 In its public financial documents, SpaceX has indicated that the bulk of its future revenues are likely to come from orbital data centers that will provide the backbone of computing for artificial intelligence on Earth. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 Before PCs arrived on the scene, women were the backbone of office infrastructure. — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
  1. spine
  2. courage
  3. fortitude
  4. fiber
  5. stamina
  6. grit
  7. guts
  8. bravery
Noun
  • Two additional circular openings sit atop the spine, with mesh screens covering them.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Best of luck to Aneha on getting a brand deal when your 12-episode reality show stint only earned you 10,000 followers, and thoughts and prayers with Cam for his upcoming surgery to implant a spine and a pair of balls.
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of spine
Noun
  • Councilmember Raman stepped up with courage and grace to take on the status quo.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Students must also learn honest history, including the consequences of war, the dangers of propaganda and dehumanization and the courage of those who chose compassion over hatred.
    — Joanie Schirm, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • But more importantly — and what comes with age — is having the fortitude not to follow them.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • That mental fortitude stood out to Green during a minor-league game in which Voit started 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • Luther, 24, was reborn after a bullet damaged her brain and severed the fibers of her identity.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The chipmaker and networking provider must dominate the fiber in the data center as connections move away from copper.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of fiber
Noun
  • Even so, pairing protein with carbohydrates can help smooth out post-meal swings while supporting overall morning stamina.
    — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In a world where students are averaging seven and a half hours a day on screens and attention spans are waning, Connecticut teachers say that students’ reading stamina and comprehension are declining.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • Rounding out the trio is Zeimani, the middle sibling and resident comedian, whose raspy vocal grit carries the DNA of her late uncle, Bobby Womack.
    — Natelegé Whaley, VIBE.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Jovic embodies the physical toughness, motor and grit on both sides of the floor that the Bruins lacked the past two seasons.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • The annual event sees the best pickleballers in the world compete for guts and glory.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But such a play would have taken real guts to write and produce.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • Wawrinka’s bravery is what struck those who were there, including Djokovic.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • But a rally outside Wednesday's meet — where the boy finished second among a field of 25 to help lead Camas to the girls district championship — showed that the adults are catching up in the bravery department.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bravery

Browse Nearby Words

backbiting
backbone
backboned
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Cite this Entry

“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about backbone

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