invertebrate 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈvər-tə-brət How to pronounce invertebrate (audio)
Definition of invertebratenext
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character an invertebrate Congress that blithely went along with the President's ill-conceived plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

invertebrate

2 of 2

noun

as in vertebrate

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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
When Jo arrives on the island, however, Nadia is missing, and the jellyfish appears to be much more than a mere invertebrate. — Tessa Yang, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 Previous Conservation Station elements including the veterinary treatment room, animal nutrition window and the amphibian, reptile and invertebrate windows again will be available. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for invertebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invertebrate
  1. weak
  2. vertebrate
  3. weakened
  4. herbivore
  5. soft
  6. carnivore
  7. spineless
Adjective
  • Studies have shown that countries with stronger IP systems tend to be more innovative, while weaker IP systems may stifle innovation.
    — Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Are scientists hindered by a weak grasp of the physics driving GRBs?
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of weak
Noun
  • Once the most populous vertebrate in their mountain habitat, the wild population of these tiny amphibians had dwindled to fewer than 200 by 2021.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Transposable elements are linked to the evolution of animal eyes as well as the adaptive immune system in jawed vertebrates.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of vertebrate
Adjective
  • Less than a month after acquiring McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants are turning to the 23-year-old quarterback to try to lead them to the playoffs in a weakened NFC East.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Most enamel-repair products rely on remineralization, which puts minerals back into weakened enamel using ingredients like fluoride, calcium, phosphate or hydroxyapatite.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of weakened
Noun
  • Mastodons were massive, elephant-like herbivores that went extinct roughly 11,700 years ago, near the end of the last Ice Age.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The same process occurs in the radish’s spicier cousins, and the resulting chemicals are thought to help deter herbivores and pests.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of herbivore
Adjective
  • Writing diaristic, country-leaning soft-rock, Stiltz also touches on the work of David Berman and Bill Callahan.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The carbon covers the grip, the thumb rest, and the soft-release button, the spots a photographer touches most.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of soft
Noun
  • Five mammal groups – primates, carnivores, whales, elephants and rhinos – received 86% of available funding, despite accounting for only one-third of threatened mammal projects.
    — David Ginsburg, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
  • There is always a vegetarian option, but this really is a place for ardent carnivores, who are encouraged each evening to watch as Patagonian lambs (or other regional produce) are cooked over an open fire in a smoky room by the kitchen.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of carnivore
Adjective
  • The spineless league hasn't said a word despite the women continuing to break an anthem rulebook provision that requires them to attend the performance.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Trump does not ask, but demands, and these spineless Republicans fall on their knees and yield to his wishes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of spineless

Browse Nearby Words

invert
invertebrate
invertebrates
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Cite this Entry

“Invertebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invertebrate. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on invertebrate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about invertebrate

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