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 Richardson says the backbone of this lawsuit is tied to a 2024 ordinance that requires landlords to keep elevators working or, if they are broken, offer temporary housing to residents who can't use the stairs. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Oral PrEP is still the backbone of prevention While lenacapavir is the new shiny breakthrough, oral PrEP remains the mainstay of prevention. — Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026 Along with the star, Bergamote 22 expertly blends in grapefruit and petitgrain for an effervescent opening, combined with white tea notes for extra freshness, plus a woody backbone of vetiver paired with amber and musk. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026 The tools of Fourier analysis are used in many fields of mathematics and form the backbone of any industry that relies on signal processing. — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 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
  • Now, a new-look defensive spine and a new manager in Gary O’Neil, with recent relegation-battle experience at Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers, make the East Anglian club look ready.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • So, what was once a pretty harsh ride that tended to skip sideways in bumpy corners, bludgeon yours and your passenger’s spine and kidneys, and remind you what terror and despair really are, is now gone.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of spine
Noun
  • None of this would exist without the ones who came before us, that first generation that had the courage to leave everything behind.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Leadership roles or intimidating pivots that require you to have courage are no exception.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • Kouvin missed the cut at the John Deere Classic but has since shown fortitude and an incredible golf game, winning the 3M Open and placing T-10 at the ISCO Championship and T-31 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But, deciding to still move forward with their round of golf knowing the boss would find out at some point took fortitude.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • The solution works by penetrating deep into the fibers, helping to break down stains on contact, without discoloring the affected area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Pair peaches with protein, healthy fat, or fiber, like nuts or yogurt, to slow carbohydrate absorption and support blood sugar management.
    — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fiber
Noun
  • Players often arrive back from their summer breaks with a base level of fitness — enhanced by light and sporadic individual training during their holidays — and their natural athlete’s stamina.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Learn line dancing and improve your balance, footwork, cardiovascular activity and stamina.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • But what her mum did have was grit, raising her children alone and working three jobs to keep ponies in their lives.
    — Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That Crowley came from behind to win was a testament to Evers’ grit and determination to keep the nomination from Hong, whom Evers said was unlikely to win in November, and to how terrible of a campaigner Hong turned out to be in the home stretch.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • That took some guts, even though that’s what everybody else always does.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Explosive playmakers, a veteran offensive line and the guts of a good defense will support them.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • Much depended on your bravery, skill, road surface, and entry speed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
  • By Hal’s own admission, his bravery comes from having nothing to lose.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of bravery

Browse Nearby Words

backbiting
backbone
backboned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on backbone

Nglish: Translation of backbone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about backbone

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