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
However, system discipline and SDFC’s pressing structure were the true backbone last year.
—
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Headbands, bikinis, shorts and polos form the commercial backbone, functioning as accessible entry points into the Safdie world.
—Amy Francombe, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
But he was overruled, and like usual, the Dolphins former general manager, who too often lacked a backbone and conviction, caved when McDaniel went to owner Steve Ross and convinced him a deal needed to be done.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
Let’s keep our focus, and our funding, on the public system that remains the backbone of our state.
—Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Headbands, bikinis, shorts and polos form the commercial backbone, functioning as accessible entry points into the Safdie world.
—Amy Francombe, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
But he was overruled, and like usual, the Dolphins former general manager, who too often lacked a backbone and conviction, caved when McDaniel went to owner Steve Ross and convinced him a deal needed to be done.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
Let’s keep our focus, and our funding, on the public system that remains the backbone of our state.
—Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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The comprehensive whole body scan also examines the whole spine, looks for neurological disorders and all kinds of aneurysms, and the enhanced screening adds a body composition analysis, lab testing and brain health assessment.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
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Available in classic, large and travel sizes, plus a knee pillow to help align the spine, and reduce pressure on hips, knees and joints.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This is a test of political courage.—
Jose Bernal,
Oc Register,
24 Feb. 2026
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Visceral, funny, provocative, timely and full of courage, this is a piece of work like no other.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As an immigrant directly from Korea, Chang showed him the fortitude of structure amid her community.—
Miki Hellerbach,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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Alas, the reality of sports demands that true greatness is measured only on the biggest stage, where the physical strength and innate talent gifted to every superior athlete takes a backseat to mental fortitude.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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According to Shapiro, probiotic foods—many of which also contain protein or fiber too—have the potential to improve digestion, reduce bloating, support immune health by strengthening gut barrier function, and promote microbial diversity.—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
24 Feb. 2026
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Magnets, optical screens powered by AI, and other machinery sort aluminum, tin, fibers, cardboard, plastics, and other recyclables before balers pack together each class of items.—
Megan Vaz,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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His speed and stamina levels were deceptive — while not always looking like a remarkable asset to the naked eye, the stats the club compiled said otherwise.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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As spring progresses, the Dodgers will continue to dial them up with precaution, especially at the start of the season when more hands on deck are required because some pitchers are still building up their stamina.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For Legend, the Blind Auditions were a true test of grit.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
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Start by rinsing the beans under cool, running water to remove any dirt or grit.—
Riley Wofford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This takes a lot of guts, Lind says.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
9 Feb. 2026
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Both are up to the task, grounding these sometimes floaty proceedings in some human guts and grit.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And thank you for your great bravery.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
25 Feb. 2026
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Roy’s bravery did not extend to talking to women.—
Sam Kriss,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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