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
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
-
California — and America — now desperately need the courage for another moral intervention.—
Tom Debley,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
-
Hamer signed up and, through her courage, charisma, and oratory, quickly drew ardent disciples and ruthless adversaries.—
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
15 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
-
Key Takeaways Quinoa may help lower blood pressure by providing nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and beta-glucan fiber.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
What happens after students lose mental stamina?—
Rachel Konrad,
Time,
9 Dec. 2025
-
That’s just a matter of stamina and extremes in the circumstances of the scene.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
All of the guts of the lighting, power and HVAC systems are embedded inside the benches, giving the space a clean and timeless look.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
Nashville Tennessean,
9 Dec. 2025
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Adding to the growing body of research that proves our microbiome is a powerful ally in fighting disease, scientists have found that an easy-to-get nutrient in our food causes our guts to produce powerful insulin-regulating compounds.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
City leaders commended the bravery of the emergency personnel who performed the search during large surf, powerful currents and limited underwater visibility.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
That same bravery is evident when dealing with crowded penalty-box situations.—
Matt Pyzdrowski,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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