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
For travel, matching sets are the backbone of a smart capsule wardrobe.
—
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Its earthy backbone gives it a rousing confidence, while the sweetness makes an indelible first impression.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026
The governor and lawmakers need to give regulators the authority— and the backbone — to stand up to an insurance industry whose lobbyists with campaign contributions currently wield outsized power.
—Dave Lieber, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
Differentials have always been the backbone of rank gains, particularly during periods of fixture swings and chip activations.
—Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026
Its earthy backbone gives it a rousing confidence, while the sweetness makes an indelible first impression.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026
The governor and lawmakers need to give regulators the authority— and the backbone — to stand up to an insurance industry whose lobbyists with campaign contributions currently wield outsized power.
—Dave Lieber, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
Differentials have always been the backbone of rank gains, particularly during periods of fixture swings and chip activations.
—Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Squats Squats engage your core muscles and challenge your spine to stabilize under a load.—
RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan,
Health,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As an infant, Sophie was diagnosed with spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly, according to the Mayo Clinic.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Even in a cautious world, courage occupies a permanent place.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Watching together gives parents a chance to support kids in thinking critically about social dynamics and how to respond with kindness and courage.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Who better captures the mindset and mental fortitude of an Olympian?—
Alex Connor,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The Wolverines opened the door for Michigan State with a lackluster start to the second half, but showed some real fortitude to win this game after giving up the lead.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that are found in many fruits and vegetables.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The vegan formula tubes, lengthens, and volumizes by coating each lash in lightweight fibers and film-forming polymers for striking definition.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For this polar adventure, all gear must be carried to remote and rugged camps, necessitating vigorous training beforehand that focuses on stamina and strength.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Waning stamina was one explanation; Bainbridge had long been a heavy drinker and smoker.—
Christopher Tayler,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Other popular entrees include shrimp and grits made with Parmesan stone-ground grits, Andouille sausage, sweet peppers, and a garlic cream sauce, as well as Gulf red snapper, sesame chicken tenders, and cast-iron salmon.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Powered by twin sisters Ryley and Kayleigh McCarthy, Woburn possessed the poise and grit necessary to elevate their play late in the game.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Both are up to the task, grounding these sometimes floaty proceedings in some human guts and grit.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
-
This unprecedented competition tests climbing, biking, and skiing skills—plus plenty of endurance, strength, and sheer guts.—
Dennis Lewon,
Outside,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But the bravery of ordinary people has shown that Americans have not forgotten the power of loving their neighbors.—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Friday, August 29 Caseem Wongus is honored during the Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park for his bravery the night of the crash.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
