spine

as in vertebra
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal he hurt his spine in the accident, but the doctor says he'll be walking again in no time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 spine The countries forming the spine of NATO's eastern flank, brushing up against the Russian border, have surged defense spending far quicker than Western and Southern Europe. Ellie Cook — Reporting From The Hague, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 In talking about some of the theories around AI, and contemplating the ways that things could go a little bit off the rails, there’s a name that constantly gets repeated, sending chills up the human spine. John Werner, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 While, for humans, the purpose of the spine is to serve as the support structure for the body, Alphas, ever so resourceful, utilize them as weapons that could be wielded as whips. EW.com, 20 June 2025 Everyone wants kitchen cabinets that don't send a chill up the spine when a guest opens one in search of a spoon, and drawers where finding the right measuring cup is easy. Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
Noun
  • The 29-year-old suffered a concussion and his own fractured vertebra, though less serious than Landa’s injury.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • While doing some unrelated research years after finding the fossil in storage, Bourque came across an image of a tegu vertebra.
    Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Non-Alcoholic Summer Celebrations Beverages are the backbone of many summer gatherings.
    Sarah Perez, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Oil wells, refineries, pipelines and shipping lanes are the backbone of energy markets.
    Skip York, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • For a sheriff who frequently talks about demanding accountability, Tony’s threat to turn his back on a city of 87,000 residents is exactly the kind of talk lawbreakers want to hear.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2025
  • Rhodes, playing a de facto heel, immediately went after Orton’s back.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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