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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spineless
Maybe, when seeing these mass rallies, spineless congressional Republicans might fear for their jobs more from the people than the dictator-in-chief.
—
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 12 May 2025
Some great options include small palms, hardy banana, cannas, hibiscus, spineless succulents, bedding flowers, and grasses.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
Even some spineless Republicans in Congress—who should be carrying President Trump's flag—are trembling instead of cheering his fight for America's soul.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Trump and his spineless acolytes continue to lie to the American people.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 12 May 2025
Some great options include small palms, hardy banana, cannas, hibiscus, spineless succulents, bedding flowers, and grasses.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
Even some spineless Republicans in Congress—who should be carrying President Trump's flag—are trembling instead of cheering his fight for America's soul.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Trump and his spineless acolytes continue to lie to the American people.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spineless
Adjective
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And while the unemployment rate remains low, hiring has been weak, leaving those without jobs struggling to find new work.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
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Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to 'take out' Iran's Supreme Leader.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
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Those who resort to violence to undermine our state and nation must be held accountable, and our state leaders must reinforce through decisive action that these cowardly attacks will not be tolerated.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Listen, by doing it this way, with a press release instead of a press conference, Rose looks both gutless and gutty at the same time.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
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Two baseballs flew down toward the San Diego Padres’ Jurickson Profar from the left-field corner stands, the gutless moves of two cowards.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Pottery Barn Airy Cotton Duvet Cover Crafted from 100 percent cotton, this 200-thread count duvet cover is breathable, low-maintenance, soft, and suitable for year-round use.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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Scroll to shop the best bond-building products for every texture—stronger and softer hair ahead!—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Like Tracy, the high school student, Jordan was afraid of the overpass.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2025
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The content creator and homebody is not afraid of canceling weekend plans to enjoy his rent.—
Steven Bertoni,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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The disconnect between Trump’s stagings of brute force is striking and more than a little worrisome for those who have long thought civilian control of the military would have stopped such a craven choice.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
11 June 2025
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To abet Trump’s fake reality, the craven House Republicans refused to put up a plaque honoring the police officers and others who defended the Capitol that awful day.—
Maureen Dowd,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
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
Adjective
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Instead, federal authorities are hiding, apparently too frightened of online provocateurs and in-person hecklers to do their duty in plain sight.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
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Others who live close to the jail were downright frightened.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spineless. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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