INVERTEBRATE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

invertebrate 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈvər-tə-brət

Definition of invertebrate

as in weak

lacking strength of will or character an invertebrate Congress that blithely went along with the President's ill-conceived plan

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invertebrate

2 of 2

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 invertebrate

Adjective

There will be hands-on training to conduct water quality testing and macro-invertebrate sampling. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025 Jessica Ware is associate curator of invertebrate zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. — Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2023

Noun

This type of symbiotic relationship is common in the invertebrate and plant worlds but rare among vertebrates. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026 The lush meadows that result make excellent hiding places for small invertebrate animals. — David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invertebrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invertebrate

Adjective

Still, the opposite tack—sanctions and isolation—has neither made the Iranian regime weaker nor made its behavior better.

— Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
And it should never be used to paper over weak management, chronic overload, or unresolved conflict.

— Rick Tollakson, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of weak

Noun

Insects and the like Most of the species cats ate were vertebrates – mostly birds, followed by mammals and reptiles.

— Christopher A. Lepczyk, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
They are thought to be one of the first vertebrates that made a partial transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2026

Definition of vertebrate

Adjective

The bacterium can also lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that is more common in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the release.

— Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
While anyone can get sick, young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026

Definition of weakened

Noun

But the researchers wanted to see whether the markings on the Stegodon bones showed evidence that the hobbits were also hunting the only large-bodied herbivore on the island at the time.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
The bloody red shrimp are herbivores when young, feeding on phytoplankton, and then add carnivorous activity as adults, adding zooplankton to their diet.

— Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of herbivore

Adjective

For decades, the Mexican government has tried building bridges, a soft-power initiative known as acercamiento — or coming together — with its rising global diaspora.

— Alfredo Corchado, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Rather than using her robust vocals, Jihyo wanted to complement Shenseea’s, opting for a softer, more soulful tone.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

And now the nation will probably never get back to normal because a spineless GOP can never admit that it’s been conned.

— Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 22 May 2026
Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026

Definition of spineless

Browse Nearby Words

invert

invertebrate

invertebrates

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“Invertebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invertebrate. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of invertebrate

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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