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
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Recent Examples of backbone
That was the backbone from which everything sprang forth, was this allowance to be a little messy and to fight, because Ginny tries to be the peacekeeper in season one.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Data centers are the backbone of the modern economy and our national security infrastructure.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
Mishara made an unbeaten 61 from 40 balls and shared a 101-run stand with Shanaka (58 off 24 balls) to form the backbone of Sri Lanka's innings.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
Small businesses like his are the backbone of the American economy.
—Dylan Gans, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Data centers are the backbone of the modern economy and our national security infrastructure.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
Mishara made an unbeaten 61 from 40 balls and shared a 101-run stand with Shanaka (58 off 24 balls) to form the backbone of Sri Lanka's innings.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
Small businesses like his are the backbone of the American economy.
—Dylan Gans, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Instead of just doing isolated cable or machine exercises (which have their place, don't get me wrong), a movement like the kettlebell deadlift will target all your major muscle groups while challenging your spine's stability and your ability to change position through a dynamic range of motion.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
16 June 2026
-
England have an exceptional spine, and Declan Rice and Harry Kane have been two of the best players in the world for the last few years.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Shine kindly, and let your courage invite fresh adventures now.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
-
California — and America — now desperately need the courage for another moral intervention.—
Tom Debley,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
The Spurs responded with their best game of the series, a 115-111 win that required lots of mental fortitude and, in the end, sent Knicks fans home quiet.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
-
Tate projected a credo of masculine excellence that revolved around self-discipline, physical prowess, and mental fortitude.—
Heidi Blake,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Reinforcing materials are then deposited, including thermoplastic carbon-fiber acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for lightweight strength or thermoset resins like epoxy for greater stiffness and durability.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
-
Both versions employ three hydrofoils that lift the carbon-fiber hull above the water, reducing drag while improving comfort, performance, and efficiency.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
As of now, winning on the ground comes down to mastering masking transitions, managing stamina and your fighter's ground prowess.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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This can help delay fatigue and maintain stamina.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Rinsing them thoroughly helps keep these unfortunate extras off your plate, and also improves the flavor and texture of the peaches by removing any unwanted grit.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
-
The Knicks’ grit in the Finals was not a fluke.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Imagine having the guts to wear separates to your prom!—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 June 2026
-
Winnipeg focuses on protecting the guts of the ice.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Just, literally, 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery.—
Deb Mazzocco,
Twin Cities,
14 June 2026
-
Kate Middleton's surprise appearance at Trooping the Colour in 2024 was celebrated for several reasons, chief among them her bravery in the face of her battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.—
Christopher Luu,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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