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 Yellow Chartreuse with its honeyed complexity imitates the lingering natural sweetness of the agave nectar, and the juicy bittersweet orange from the Aperol takes the role of the Cointreau, all atop a subtle smoky backbone.
—
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
SpaceX may be betting that satellite internet becomes the infrastructure backbone of the next digital era, but African governments have the harder task of ensuring that such a backbone also supports local economic growth and innovation.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
The first Greyhound was all about dealing with the backbone-crushing stress of the job at hand.
—Katie Sanders, Time, 22 May 2026
And the power of the internet essentially driving everything and being the backbone of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
SpaceX may be betting that satellite internet becomes the infrastructure backbone of the next digital era, but African governments have the harder task of ensuring that such a backbone also supports local economic growth and innovation.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
The first Greyhound was all about dealing with the backbone-crushing stress of the job at hand.
—Katie Sanders, Time, 22 May 2026
And the power of the internet essentially driving everything and being the backbone of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Hioki suffered from multiple fractures to his spine, ribs, and arm, and a potential traumatic brain injury.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
-
One was to basically put on the record and call out everything that this FCC has done to try to bring Disney to heel but also to encourage it and other broadcasters to stiffen their spine.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
These men considered the loss of control that such behavior implied-an animal urge indulged by weak men lacking the courage to fight other men directly-to be shameful.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
Standing in the gap requires courage.—
Mariama Boney,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
What isn’t debatable is that their blend of talent, experience and mental fortitude left them uniquely positioned to thrive under such tense conditions.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
Persistent identity remains attached to the fiber or material and cannot be removed, reconstructed or reassigned.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
26 May 2026
-
Over the last 20 years, there has been significant research and learning about the gut microbiome and about fiber’s role in feeding the gut microbiome.—
Shimite Obialo,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
That's a ton of stamina, and right now HP has it on sale for $600 off.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
22 May 2026
-
Scoring the extra-time winner showed his stamina and ability to find space on the field.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Hopefully grit will be one of them.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 May 2026
-
With propulsive pacing and excellent courtroom drama, The Lincoln Lawyer is an easy binge with just the right amount of grit to not feel old-fashioned.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
As the realization that nothing—or no one—will be enough overcomes the final bridge, a flurry of drums gallop in and the track explodes into fireworks as Rodrigo screams her guts out.—
Quinn Moreland,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2026
-
But the guts of his base remain unshaken, the most solid of any president in decades, a source of strength.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
On the heels of Operation Metro Surge, the massive immigration enforcement that uprooted everyday life for many people in the Twin Cities, local community members are being honored for their bravery in documenting the events.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
28 May 2026
-
Well, take your picture of virtues for brave soldiers here, virtue itself being a word, while brave or bravery apparently didn’t fit.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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