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
Among opportunity for growth are four platforms that make up the backbone supporting the bank’s eight business segments, said Jeff Busconi, head of corporate strategy for Bank of America.
—
Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
The business calculus Seed phrases remain the mainstream backbone of self-custody.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
But PMCs have also been the backbone of numerous operations run by the United States, NATO, Arab and Muslim countries, and nations in the Global South.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
The result is a ski that is balanced and stable, with enough backbone for the experts yet enough forgiveness for intermediates.
—Kimberly Beekman, Outside, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
The business calculus Seed phrases remain the mainstream backbone of self-custody.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
But PMCs have also been the backbone of numerous operations run by the United States, NATO, Arab and Muslim countries, and nations in the Global South.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
The result is a ski that is balanced and stable, with enough backbone for the experts yet enough forgiveness for intermediates.
—Kimberly Beekman, Outside, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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The lines between life and art, truth and fiction, get mighty blurry in Trier’s emotionally expansive, extremely wry film, though the family drama itself is just a spine on which to hang any number of other fixations and preoccupations.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
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What started as a clear, sunny climb quickly turned catastrophic as an unexpected blizzard struck – triggering one of the most severe storms ever recorded in the Pyrenees, the mountain spine of southern Europe.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Neighbors of Morton Harris, an officer who flew B-17s for the Army during World War II and survived some close calls during his 33 missions behind enemy lines, praised his courage — and his financial generosity.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The courage of charging the shoreline.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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For Sheehan, who takes pride in coaching life lessons to his players, the victory stands as a building block for his program–and a chance to celebrate his team’s fortitude.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
25 Oct. 2025
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A lot of, uh, impressive mental fortitude is required to.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Viscous fiber is found in oats, eggplant, chia seeds and barley.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
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For many people, a whole grain sourdough provides an ideal balance—offering the fiber and nutrients of whole wheat with the digestibility and flavor benefits of fermentation.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Indefatigable stamina and hustle also help.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Sunday night, a stubborn stamina very well may decide whether SDFC’s postseason will continue.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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From favorites like collard greens and sweet potato casserole to updates on classics like potato salad and grits, these side dishes are like scooping up a bite of nostalgia.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
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But Ben’s defiance, instincts and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Blood and guts are flying everywhere when silence takes over the arena.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Okonjo-Iweala had the guts to go for it.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For real world bravery, though, Chalk commends Andy Muschietti alongside showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane for making a bold show.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
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Conrique’s dusky voice effortlessly conveys the emotional distress, before turning the song into one of bravery, as the protagonist leaves the unfaithful lover and then reminds the ex of all the ways those ongoing habits will lead to heartbreak in future relationships.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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