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
The Peychaud’s Bitters, all cherry and anise as opposed to Angostura Bitters’ cinnamon and clove, combines with the herbal pop of absinthe and the spicy backbone of the rye to create something wholly new.
—
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
The effect has been to alienate the professionals and technocrats who once provided the state with its administrative backbone.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
What's more, used thoughtfully, those bonuses can form the backbone of a points strategy, often covering entire trips on their own.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Coach DeMeco Ryans’ imprint on the defense has been phenomenal, and the Texans will need that group to serve as the backbone to advance.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
The effect has been to alienate the professionals and technocrats who once provided the state with its administrative backbone.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
What's more, used thoughtfully, those bonuses can form the backbone of a points strategy, often covering entire trips on their own.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Coach DeMeco Ryans’ imprint on the defense has been phenomenal, and the Texans will need that group to serve as the backbone to advance.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Calderon also looks for hardcover books and pays attention to the spines, not the fragile jackets.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
-
One of the dogs was so thin that its spine, hips and ribs were easily visible, according to the report.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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
-
In 1877, the poet Helen Hunt Jackson argued that winter is where fortitude gathers.—
Rafaela Jinich,
The Atlantic,
1 Jan. 2026
-
And consider her father’s mental fortitude to play in a 1979 European Cup semi-final against German champions Cologne — and score with a diving header — three days after learning his brother, Hughie, and sister-in-law, Isobel, had been killed in a car crash just outside Glasgow.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
25 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Cheese—when consumed in moderation—can be a safe component of a balanced diet that’s rich in whole foods like vegetables, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
-
All oats contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may aid digestion.—
Regina Windsor,
Verywell Health,
8 Jan. 2026
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
-
The grit is hidden behind the gowns.—
Alice Newbold,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Postseason football is defined by grit and narrow margins.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some even had the guts to ask for my driver’s license.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
11 Jan. 2026
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The skin, guts, and brains are the same but made of different things.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Trump can also highlight individual acts of bravery, naming protesters in interviews and speeches, and sharing videos on social media.—
Behnam Ben Taleblu,
The Atlantic,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Alu, O’Hara and a third officer who rescued them from the burning home, Robin Massey, were lauded in 1996 by the National Association of Police Organizations as Top Cops for their bravery on the infamous call.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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