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
More demand tests a fragile operational backbone.
—
Nilton Bernini, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Shrubs bring essential structure to the landscape, forming the backbone of gardens year after year.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
After entering the body, many types of PFAS used in different products can be transformed over days to years, while the highly fluorinated backbone of the molecule remains intact.
—Carrie McDonough, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Nilton Bernini, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
But lawmakers who chafed at being pushed around by the inflexible governor’s demands for the past eight years found their backbone just in time to do the wrong thing.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Shrubs bring essential structure to the landscape, forming the backbone of gardens year after year.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
After entering the body, many types of PFAS used in different products can be transformed over days to years, while the highly fluorinated backbone of the molecule remains intact.
—Carrie McDonough, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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That should send chills down the spines of the 29 other front offices through the league.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The fruit is typically oval or heart-shaped with a green peel and soft spines.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Women’s sports were not created because women lacked talent, discipline or courage.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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Last night, those journalists showed exactly the kind of calm and courage that work demands, jumping into reporting immediately after the incident unfolded.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Semiconductor leadership One of the best indicators of a bull market’s fortitude is whether semiconductor stocks are leading.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
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But there was much more good than bad for Cole, whose velocity, efficiency and fortitude all stood out.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Linen and cotton are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking fibers—and these pants offer the best of both.—
Kate Donovan,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
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ThermoShift consists of several layers, including a soft inner lining, synthetic fiber insulation, a heat-reflective film, a waterproof polyurethane coating barrier, and a wind-resistant nylon shell.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Powershift is trying the 10-furlong distance for the first time, but his pedigree screams stamina.—
Teresa Genaro,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
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But a new book by former first lady Jill Biden suggests that these reassuring portraits of an octogenarian president with enviable stamina were embellished.—
Kaylah Jackson,
NBC news,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Renegade is a closer, and Pletcher has been open about how much grit his horse showed in the Derby, righting himself to run a game second after suffering a few bumps in the early traffic.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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Saucy shrimp with the just-right amount of Cajun spice served over creamy cheese grits are truly a match made in heaven.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Five lining it up with four, leaving your guts and your heart out there.—
Tim Willert,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
No formula or spreadsheet measures guts.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
Noun
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For his bravery, Liam was presented with a certificate, a Baltimore County Police plastic badge, and a plastic police officer duckie in front of his class at Honeygo Elementary School, alongside his principal, the school's student resource officer, and his mom.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
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The guide who accompanies you will happily memorialize your bravery (and your love) with the obligatory kissing shots along the way.—
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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