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
More demand tests a fragile operational backbone.
—
Nilton Bernini, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Shrubs bring essential structure to the landscape, forming the backbone of gardens year after year.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
After entering the body, many types of PFAS used in different products can be transformed over days to years, while the highly fluorinated backbone of the molecule remains intact.
—Carrie McDonough, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Nilton Bernini, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Shrubs bring essential structure to the landscape, forming the backbone of gardens year after year.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
After entering the body, many types of PFAS used in different products can be transformed over days to years, while the highly fluorinated backbone of the molecule remains intact.
—Carrie McDonough, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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That should send chills down the spines of the 29 other front offices through the league.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The fruit is typically oval or heart-shaped with a green peel and soft spines.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Women’s sports were not created because women lacked talent, discipline or courage.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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Last night, those journalists showed exactly the kind of calm and courage that work demands, jumping into reporting immediately after the incident unfolded.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Semiconductor leadership One of the best indicators of a bull market’s fortitude is whether semiconductor stocks are leading.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
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But there was much more good than bad for Cole, whose velocity, efficiency and fortitude all stood out.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Linen and cotton are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking fibers—and these pants offer the best of both.—
Kate Donovan,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
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ThermoShift consists of several layers, including a soft inner lining, synthetic fiber insulation, a heat-reflective film, a waterproof polyurethane coating barrier, and a wind-resistant nylon shell.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The stamina, coordination, reflexes and maneuvering of a vehicle at such ridiculously high speeds is more than admirable.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
The Wellness Elixir Marg, a play on a margarita, features a non-alcoholic tequila with ginger, turmeric, orange, agave, coconut water and maca root powder, an adaptogen said to help manage stress while boosting energy, stamina and libido.—
Gizelle Lau,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
West Indian and African seasonings and recipes merged with Low Country staples like rice, grits, kitchen garden vegetables, pork, and seafood.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
30 May 2026
-
As Rachel learns about the family curse that threatens her and her betrothed, Morrone digs in with emotional complexity and real grit.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Five lining it up with four, leaving your guts and your heart out there.—
Tim Willert,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
No formula or spreadsheet measures guts.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
Noun
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For his bravery, Liam was presented with a certificate, a Baltimore County Police plastic badge, and a plastic police officer duckie in front of his class at Honeygo Elementary School, alongside his principal, the school's student resource officer, and his mom.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
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The guide who accompanies you will happily memorialize your bravery (and your love) with the obligatory kissing shots along the way.—
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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