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
1
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character
the spinelessness that the grown woman has shown in dealing with her overbearing mother
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fearfulness
a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger
charged the midshipman with sickening spinelessness under fire
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of 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
Adjective
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spineless
Adjective
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In sum, there is a weak case, at best, for some kind of standardization of non-financial KPIs.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Cell membranes are held up by small proteins called microtubules that keep the cell's shape rigid, but when the gravitational force changes — even though gravity on the ISS is only 10% weaker than on Earth — the cell's structure changes with it.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
13 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
Noun
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The pair argues that Europe risks falling behind not due to a lack of technical capability but because of structural market weaknesses.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 June 2025
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Frank is committed to improving players’ strengths and weaknesses, and this is an area that could facilitate Tel’s development.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
20 June 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
Noun
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Khamenei’s stance is at once recalcitrant and cautious to the point of cowardice.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
22 June 2025
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The oldest vice, which is the root of so many others, is the cowardice involved in lying to ourselves, refusing to face difficult truths—and pressuring others to play along.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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The Drop Fiona Relaxed Linen Dress Linen doesn’t have to come in soft and dainty colorways (even though it’s often associated with a beige or baby blue coastal grandma vibe).—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 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
Noun
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Reid’s statement was striking for its sheer pusillanimity.—
Adam S. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Dec. 2015
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What a profile in pusillanimity.—
The Editorial Board,
WSJ,
23 May 2022
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spineless. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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