as in spines
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal
uncovered the chine of some animal while digging in the backyard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of chines
At low speeds, the wide upper chines deliver stability and good fuel performance.
—
Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chines
Noun
-
In the background, composer Jerskin Fendrix worked with Lanthimos’ team to build the intensity and send a chill down viewers’ spines with his avant-garde music.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Parents have always needed to raise children with strong spines, thick skins and moral virtue.—
Abby McCloskey,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many are Latin American or African immigrants working in the agricultural, tourism or service sectors, backbones of Spain’s booming economy.—
Renata Brito,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In the economy of tomorrow, community colleges and vocational-technical schools—optimized for true lifelong learning with apprenticeship and mentorship programs—will likely be the backbones of public and private education alike.—
Eric Holcomb,
Time,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The medley for winter-weary Americans has included everything from aching backs from shoveling to sore throats to frozen noses.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The Bulls had their backs against a wall.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chines. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
