1
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character
a spineless man who let his wife make all the decisions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cowardly
having or showing a shameful lack of courage
spineless seamen who trembled at the first roar of the cannon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spineless
My candidacy is a symbol of the end of the weak-kneed, feckless Republican leadership of Mitch McConnell, and the spineless swamp jellyfish that are in the United States Senate representing the Republicans.
—
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Because Republicans in Congress are spineless.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Many Democrats, including progressives, said the move was spineless on Schumer’s part.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Within hours — in what could only be described as a spineless and cowardly move — the network and those broadcasters took the bait and silenced him.
—Jason Bailey, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Because Republicans in Congress are spineless.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Many Democrats, including progressives, said the move was spineless on Schumer’s part.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Within hours — in what could only be described as a spineless and cowardly move — the network and those broadcasters took the bait and silenced him.
—Jason Bailey, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spineless
Adjective
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Still-high youth unemployment as well as weak social security systems further weigh on consumption.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
11 Dec. 2025
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That would make the hierarchy and Slot look weak if the rift with Salah isn’t resolved before Saturday.—
Joe Prince-Wright,
NBC news,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The joke is on the cowardly villagers, and on Hoja himself, all of whom now have to live in a village terrorized by two war elephants instead of one.—
Perin Gürel,
The Conversation,
22 Apr. 2026
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Your writing is disgusting and your lack of confronting this team front office head on is an enormous act of cowardly proportions.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The bacteria can be deadly in some cases, especially for people with weakened immune systems.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
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After a heart attack or other cardiovascular insult, hearts can’t regenerate weakened muscles, leaving them less able to pump blood throughout the body.—
Elizabeth Cooney,
STAT,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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Keane called out the Red Wings as gutless for waiting for a home game to exact revenge.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
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But this seems a lot more gutless than ruthless.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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The silky-soft slippers are also infused with lavender to add a bit of aromatherapy to your relaxation, plus they’re outfitted in soft fabric.—
Jacquelyn McGilvray,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
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Use soft, outward sweeping or circular motions to blend until your face is evenly covered.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Most people are afraid of trying to do that.—
Jeanna Bryner,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
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There is no reason to be afraid.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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It’s populated by craven, cowardly traitors.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
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To watch Industry wrestle with the extreme consequences of its characters’ greedy and craven choices is to watch a series blossom with new ambition.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some also have lost lawyers, dismayed by the pusillanimous behavior of their leaders.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spineless. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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