Synonyms of backbone

backbone

noun

ˈbak-ˈbōn 

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

• spine
• back
• vertebra
• spinal column
• vertebral column
• chine
• spinal cord

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

• courage
• fortitude
• fiber
• stamina
• grit
• guts
• bravery
• determination
• courageousness
• spunk
• endurance
• pluck
• nerve
• constancy
• intestinal fortitude
• grittiness
• tolerance
• resolution
• resoluteness
• purposefulness
• stoutness
• daring
• valor
• fearlessness
• mettle
• gallantry
• heart
• spirit
• brass
• sufferance
• forbearance
• audacity
• boldness
• dauntlessness
• intrepidity
• chutzpah
• temerity
• gall
• intrepidness
• doughtiness
• greatheartedness
• effrontery
• hardihood
• cheek
• nerviness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• spinelessness
• vacillation
• indecisiveness
• irresolution
• cowardice
• timidity
• pusillanimity
• cowardliness
• irresoluteness
• faintheartedness
• timorousness
• cravenness
• dastardliness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of backbone

As the pancetta cooks, its savory, aromatic drippings become the backbone of the dish. — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Later, North Korea’s Nodong-1 missile was adapted into the Shahab-3—the backbone of Iran’s modern long-range strike capabilities, including variants like the Emad and Ghadr. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

So Black voters are known as the backbone of the Democratic Party because about 80 to 90% of Black voters vote Democrat. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Three veterans in Samson Okunlola, Matt McCoy and Ryan Rodriguez form the backbone of the group. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026