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
As songwriters, the Ottavianos usually only needed a metaphor, a single beautiful image, or a fun double entendre to serve as narrative backbones.
—
Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026
In 2022, Starlink was deployed in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion disrupted terrestrial networks, quickly becoming a critical backbone for both civilian and military communications.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Monica’s mortification that summer of ’98 forms the backbone of Julia Langbein’s latest novel Dear Monica Lewinsky, out this month from Doubleday.
—Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Silky tannins form a sturdy backbone that supports flavors of black raspberry, jalapeño, and black cherry.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026
In 2022, Starlink was deployed in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion disrupted terrestrial networks, quickly becoming a critical backbone for both civilian and military communications.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Monica’s mortification that summer of ’98 forms the backbone of Julia Langbein’s latest novel Dear Monica Lewinsky, out this month from Doubleday.
—Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Silky tannins form a sturdy backbone that supports flavors of black raspberry, jalapeño, and black cherry.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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That disorienting time shift, into the far harsher historical world of 1855, Idaho, is what gives Burke’s book not just its spine but its compelling narrative shape.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The knee pillow is designed to help align the spine and reduce pressure on hips, knees, and joints for side sleepers.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The courage to make those choices and keep moving forward is what has defined my journey.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, Ally’s peaceful world is suddenly thrown into danger and is thrust into a journey real-life marine creatures as the film explores themes of friendship and courage.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For Garcia, that sense of something built by instinct and fortitude is part of what makes the next chapter feel so charged.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Like my predecessors, my life has been grounded in faith and fortitude.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Nike had unveiled a radically new design for Breaking2, incorporating a curved carbon-fiber plate into a thick wedge of springy midsole foam, which external lab data suggested would make runners several percent faster.—
Alex Hutchinson,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Charlotte Observer spoke to North Carolina doctors about how to mitigate your colon cancer risk by eating less red meat, less ultraprocessed food and more fiber.—
Eva Flowe
April 28,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Training to Be Ellie Houston The performance has been months in the making, with Ellie deep in rehearsals and training to get her stamina half-time ready.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
-
Used for stress, focus, fatigue, and stamina (NCCIH).—
Ryan Brennan
May 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House In San Leon, Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House will offer a Mother’s Day menu alongside Chef Joe Cervantez’s weekend brunch dishes, including lobster Benedict, hot chicken doughnuts, shrimp and grits and cold seafood platters.—
Ana Khan,
Houston Chronicle,
3 May 2026
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Unique is meant to embody that racial trauma, but Moore doesn’t possess the grit necessary to make the pain and sorrow resonate.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Hailing from Hartbeat and Alfred Street Industries, Funny AF was created by Hart with the goal of finding the next great voice in comedy with the guts, perspective, and punchlines to become the next household name.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
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Lubchansky’s graphic novel is vivid and delightful, full of noodly limbs, swirling tentacles, and cartoon blood and guts.—
Emma Sarappo,
The Atlantic,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s bravery in how these artists are driven by conviction.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2026
-
Passion isn’t practical, and bravery is required under the Scorpio full moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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