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
The electronics are now software defined, with a digital backbone to support modular electronics.
—
David Szondy
april 05, New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2026
The aircraft will rely on a digital backbone that enables seamless coordination with other assets.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Each had bites through the backbone and into the lungs and heart.
—Frank Glaser, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026
However, ethanol has become the backbone of the daily commute.
—ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
David Szondy
april 05, New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2026
The aircraft will rely on a digital backbone that enables seamless coordination with other assets.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Each had bites through the backbone and into the lungs and heart.
—Frank Glaser, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026
However, ethanol has become the backbone of the daily commute.
—ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Its burgundy spine wore out many years ago, so layer on layer of tape tries desperately to cradle over 60 pages of newspaper cuttings documenting every word ever published about her son, Jamie Mitchell.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Coco was diagnosed with scoliosis, with a 45-degree curve in her spine.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Both asking for a raise and taking the mic at karaoke night require a lot of courage, so Mars and Uranus are here to help!—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The next wave of philanthropic courage is overdue.—
Felecia Hatcher,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Honey in the Wound exists to acknowledge the fortitude of women who had to bear so much in silence for so long.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Apr. 2026
-
His displays of extreme fortitude aren’t limited to the mountains.—
Namir Khaliq,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Powered by nutrient-dense lupini beans, Kaizen’s pasta, rice and mac & cheese deliver over 20 grams of protein per serving, 80-85% fewer carbs than traditional options and 15 grams of fiber while remaining gluten-free, non-GMO and kosher.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The lint-free towels measure 16 by 26 inches and promise to dry without leaving behind remnants of fabric fibers, too.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Physical stamina and comfort preferences may evolve.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The result was a team that did not have the stamina, mental strength or confidence to finish games.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Rough & Tumble — the name captures the sweat and grit of politics — has continued without interruption for 30-plus years.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
-
So did their affinity for launching long shots, and their grit and effort.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The best of the best includes a solid marble bathtub and a throwback vanity with modern guts.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Many grasses evolved to be partly dispersed by herbivorous mammals, the seeds passing through guts with the bulky leafy tissue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Deciding to become a gamer in your 30s is a specific kind of bravery.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Being gentle with yourself is a form of bravery, so go ahead and indulge your softer side.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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