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
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Recent Examples of backbone
Across recent interviews and her foundational writing, 10 tips keep surfacing as the backbone of a good night.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
For all the power of AI, officers and telecommunicators remain the backbone of the system.
—
Alison Coleman,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Others may grow because AI needs a physical backbone.
—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
—
Carl R. Gold,
Baltimore Sun,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
For all the power of AI, officers and telecommunicators remain the backbone of the system.
—
Alison Coleman,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Others may grow because AI needs a physical backbone.
—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
—
Carl R. Gold,
Baltimore Sun,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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Heavy luggage, hours of sitting and unfamiliar beds are hard on the spine.
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Louis rips his spine out, dislocates his jaw, and reads Claudia’s diary entries about how she was repeatedly assaulted by him.
Noun
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Unable to outrun the Bitchfist, the Hand earns his reputation for cunning and courage.
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March 21 – April 19 Aries, your courage meets a softer mirror.
Noun
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However, optimizing it in meaningful ways that are beneficial to its key constituencies is possible and can be rewarding on many levels if would-be disruptors are realistic about the scale and complexity of the challenges and have the creativity, patience, and fortitude to overcome them.
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Teams love Stirtz’s mental fortitude, leadership and of course his ability to score.
Noun
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Including plenty of fiber in your diet can help reduce how quickly sugar is absorbed.
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Avocados provide unsaturated fats and fiber, while whole-grain bread adds even more fiber.
Noun
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Be honest about your age, health and stamina.
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In Taurus, however, the red planet trades speed for stamina.
Noun
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Start with a glass or fine-grit nail file for shaping without tearing the layers of the nail, and a buffer block to lightly smooth the surface.
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Excellence in sport is merely a glimpse into the resolve, grit, and talent pervading communities across the continent.
Noun
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Fatty Fish Fatty or oily fish are fish and other seafood that naturally store oil all over their bodies, including their tissues and around their guts.
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Imagine having the guts to wear separates to your prom!
Noun
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Just watching as a fan from a distance, I was impressed by her bravery.
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There has been an outpouring of support on social media for those who stopped to help, heralding their bravery and selflessness.
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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