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 These have a central molecular backbone with side chains sticking out along its length, much like the bristles on a bottle-cleaning brush, but on a molecular scale. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 Diesel is the backbone of the nation’s economy, fueling things that range from construction machinery to school buses to backup generators for grocery stores. — Victoria Hoffmann, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026 Simple knits are the backbone of a fall wardrobe, and the Zesica V-neck Sweater has the understated look that Rag & Bone does so well. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026 In summary, Linde represents a rare and highly attractive opportunity to invest in the hardware backbone of AI at a standard defensive valuation. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 15 Sep. 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
  • According to Benjamin’s arrest report, the dog’s ribs and spine were visibly prominent through its skin, which appeared loose.
    — Anna McAllister, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The bullet lodged close to Garces Perez's spine and had not been removed as of last week.
    — Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of spine
Noun
  • That woman, prosecutors said, went home and didn’t shower for three days, allegedly seeking to preserve his ejaculate on her body while working up the courage to report the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • By sharing their journeys with such honesty and courage, Dec, Dan and Saskia revealed the reality of rebuilding a life after stroke, and the truth behind the long and unforgiving journey to reclaim the right to live an independent life.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • But more importantly — and what comes with age — is having the fortitude not to follow them.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • That mental fortitude stood out to Green during a minor-league game in which Voit started 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortitude
Noun
  • Thanks to its premium plant-wax blend and 100 percent natural-fiber wick, the best-selling candle burns cleanly and evenly for up to 150 hours.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Primark said 39 percent of its clothing units sold in its most recent financial year contained recycled fibers, up from 32 percent in the prior year.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of fiber
Noun
  • The Libra Sun opposes Neptune across your work and rest zones, making concentration, motivation, or stamina feel less reliable than usual.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The skill isn’t spreadsheets or KPIs but having the stamina to defund something that’s quietly working, then sit with the people who built and loved it.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • The fight itself became a contest of grit between two legends—both past their prime but unbroken in will.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Lange, bless her, lends some stability to this narratively shaky material through her performance, effectively conveying a mix of vulnerability and grit as Constance.
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • In their new Apple series, Brothers, that infamous tale appears in the pilot when Holland Taylor, playing Ma Mac, drops the bomb on Harrelson, who doesn’t have the guts to tell McConaughey right away.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • McNeely’s riff shows a toe (flexed, as ever) hoisted from the ceiling, the rest of the figure an illegible mass of guts and bones.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of guts
Noun
  • Applegate’s new video has been met with love and support from such celebrities as Chelsea Handler and Vanessa Marcil and especially from fellow MS survivors, who praise her bravery and resilience.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Cassius accepted the hero award from the city of Miami Police Department at a ceremony recognizing his bravery on Wednesday.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of bravery

Browse Nearby Words

backbiting
backbone
backboned
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Cite this Entry

“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on backbone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about backbone

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