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
Relevance
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
These include the manipulation of certain kinds of small molecules—the backbone of many different types of medicines, from antibiotics to corticosteroids.
—
Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
El Jardin de Elda is a tribute to Lola’s grandmother, who is the inspiration for the restaurant, and whose recipes form the backbone of the menu.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Founded in 1984, Cisco was once the backbone of the internet—and briefly the most valuable company in the world during the dot-com era, before the bubble burst.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 15 May 2026
That’s exactly why Madewell has become the backbone of my packing list.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
El Jardin de Elda is a tribute to Lola’s grandmother, who is the inspiration for the restaurant, and whose recipes form the backbone of the menu.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Founded in 1984, Cisco was once the backbone of the internet—and briefly the most valuable company in the world during the dot-com era, before the bubble burst.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 15 May 2026
That’s exactly why Madewell has become the backbone of my packing list.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Adventurers can backpack the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail, which runs along the island’s spine, or paddle between backcountry campsites while watching for moose along the shore.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
-
Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Both Judge Lang and Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden applauded the victim’s courage.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
-
One drink opened the chest, two turned fear into courage’s cheap cousin, three steadied the hand enough to write the future in invisible ink.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
What isn’t debatable is that their blend of talent, experience and mental fortitude left them uniquely positioned to thrive under such tense conditions.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Abbass gives a master class in less-is-more restraint in these scenes, her character’s fortitude severely challenged but unbroken by her years of suffering.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Cabbage and cauliflower both support heart health with fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
19 May 2026
-
Aim for at least 25 grams of lean protein and 5 grams of fiber at your midday meal.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Training to Be Ellie Houston The performance has been months in the making, with Ellie deep in rehearsals and training to get her stamina half-time ready.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
-
Used for stress, focus, fatigue, and stamina (NCCIH).—
Ryan Brennan
May 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
There might be a fight to escape, but even those few who crawl over rocks and grit and sand to reach terra firma find their surroundings changed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
All of the classic, comforting flavors of good old shrimp and grits come together in easy, casserole form.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
As the realization that nothing—or no one—will be enough overcomes the final bridge, a flurry of drums gallop in and the track explodes into fireworks as Rodrigo screams her guts out.—
Quinn Moreland,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2026
-
But the guts of his base remain unshaken, the most solid of any president in decades, a source of strength.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Shoal Creek Elementary School Principal Harmeena Omoto has been honored with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Citizens of Courage Award for her acts of bravery amid threats of a mass shooting at her school.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
-
Her perseverance and bravery are inspiring to the members of my office, and more importantly, to survivors everywhere.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
