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
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
That kind of spineless politics is what people are sick of.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
Played by a sniveling Casey Siemaszko, Billy is spineless and spiteful.
—Sezin Devi Koehler September 1, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
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
That kind of spineless politics is what people are sick of.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
Played by a sniveling Casey Siemaszko, Billy is spineless and spiteful.
—Sezin Devi Koehler September 1, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spineless
Adjective
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This time, economists say the job market and consumer spending are weaker, and there are no large government stimulus checks being issued to spur demand.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
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Then, a strong hit by Sennecke on fellow rookie Michael Misa gave way to a weak clearing attempt by former King Tyler Toffoli.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
My senators are too cowardly to talk to me.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
It’s populated by craven, cowardly traitors.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Older children and adults with weakened immune systems also are vulnerable.—
Don Sweeney
April 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Adults older than 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should avoid egg coffee because raw eggs pose a salmonella risk.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This gutless predator not only preyed upon a child ... but then fled from accountability.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
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And all the while, our gutless politicians watch from the sidelines so as to not interfere and risk angering their party.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Made for unwinding, dreaming and everything in between, this 100% organic cotton sleepwear is crafted from naturally soft, breathable fabric that keeps you comfortable all night long.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Earth Tone Collection currently offers several neutral colors—desert sand, warm beige, dune taupe, washed khaki, dusty olive, soft clay, muted terracotta and light stone—and the clients can create other custom colors.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
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Is the economy struggling, with layoffs and wary investors afraid to lend?—
Alex Mayyasi,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s populated by craven, cowardly traitors.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
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In a particularly craven twist, this letter enlisted the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause to halt or hinder affinity programming in schools.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
20 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
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The second believed the United States could attain comprehensive security through military-technological means and saw diplomacy as a quixotic or pusillanimous enterprise that dishonored and weakened the country.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spineless. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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