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
Such chips are the backbone of the AI race, and can be used for military or civilian purposes.
—
Magdalena Petrova,eamon Javers, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
The sanctions move could significantly disrupt Venezuela’s oil exports, the backbone of its economy.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
Though George will be king someday, Charlotte is emerging as a backbone of the royal family—and her Christmas morning pat on the back is proof of that.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
The backbone of the American economy is being pushed from stable, professional roles into low-tier service work, resulting in an immediate 49% drop in income, and then financing their children’s basic nutrition with shadow debt.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Magdalena Petrova,eamon Javers, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
The sanctions move could significantly disrupt Venezuela’s oil exports, the backbone of its economy.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
Though George will be king someday, Charlotte is emerging as a backbone of the royal family—and her Christmas morning pat on the back is proof of that.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
The backbone of the American economy is being pushed from stable, professional roles into low-tier service work, resulting in an immediate 49% drop in income, and then financing their children’s basic nutrition with shadow debt.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
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
-
The gathering is not passive remembrance, but a collective act of courage.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Against a backdrop of a world divided, these teens rise with fire, wit, and unshakable humanity – delivering a masterclass in courage, conviction, and the kind of hope that refuses to be silenced.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
A lot of, uh, impressive mental fortitude is required to.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Viscous fiber is found in oats, eggplant, chia seeds and barley.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
-
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
-
But the stamina of his thought is exactly proportionate to the depth of his love for his subject.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Too many are still waiting for resources, for clear answers, for a path that doesn’t require super-human stamina just to survive.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
And she was given the keys to bravery.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
-
What was so heartbreaking and inspiring was the quiet bravery and resilience of the people in Ukraine.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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