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
Courtenay Brown Apr 5, 2025 - Business A manufacturer's up-close view of Trump's tariffs
This is the hard truth for American manufacturers: Trump's tariffs are all but inescapable unless the global supply chain — the decades-long backbone of domestic manufacturing — is replicated stateside.
—
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
These rehabilitative efforts have formed the backbone of former district attorney Gascón’s argument that the brothers should be released – an effort now being capsized by his successor.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Many Amazon sellers are small business owners relying on the platform as a side job to earn extra income or as the backbone of their small and medium-sized businesses.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The backbone of the result, which puts them on the verge of qualifying for next year’s World Cup, was their defensive performance.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
These rehabilitative efforts have formed the backbone of former district attorney Gascón’s argument that the brothers should be released – an effort now being capsized by his successor.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Many Amazon sellers are small business owners relying on the platform as a side job to earn extra income or as the backbone of their small and medium-sized businesses.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The backbone of the result, which puts them on the verge of qualifying for next year’s World Cup, was their defensive performance.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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There are two words that tend to send a shiver down my spine: Google and AI.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Bryant saw noted orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles on Monday.—
Beth Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His leadership showed compassion, political courage, and moral clarity … qualities our leaders could use today more than ever.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2025
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By the end, the young girl proudly admired her new earrings, a symbol of overcoming fear and embracing courage.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Lately, the federal judiciary has responded with impressive speed and fortitude to Trump’s fusillade of executive orders and other actions.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
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Though Graham had concerns for how Cooper would be handle the pressure of this style, he was quickly given comfort by the young actor’s fortitude.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For examples, men tend to have more muscle mass, a larger store of fast-twitch muscle fibers, and a higher VO2 max, or the maximum rate of oxygen intake.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2025
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Shop comforter sets, cooling gel fiber pillows, and lightweight quilt sets during Way Day while prices start at $24.—
Rachel Trujillo,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In both world wars, the key to victory was not so much military prowess as unbeatable stamina.—
Lawrence D. Freedman,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Apr. 2025
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Speed and stamina are core aspects of their role, and for most, these take a nosedive around these ages.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Added some grit and determination on the back end with Lindgren.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Premiering April 20 on Nat Geo and streaming April 21 on Disney+ and Hulu, the three-part series is a visual triumph made possible by engineering grit, field science, and the kind of rugged tech innovation typically reserved for space exploration.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Ancient Rome is cool because of gladiators, Julius Caesar — and yes, the underlying lore of strength, bravery and epic feats of masculinity.—
Donie O'Sullivan,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2025
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In many of Kim Won Suk’s dramas, there’s an inspiring character—one whose acts of kindness, compassion, bravery and loyalty motivates viewers to do the right thing in their own lives.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The song finds Wetmore shedding light on a childhood with a father battling against alcohol and pills, and Wetmore’s resulting desire and determination to forge a different path.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
22 Apr. 2025
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Sustainable workplace culture change requires both determination and adaptability.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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