as in backbones
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
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Recent Examples of spines
This includes shrimp shells, crab shells, eggshells, chicken bones, and fish spines.
—
Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026
Bookcases and books Take everything off the shelves, then dampen a clean, microfiber towel in warm water and wring out to wipe the shelves and spines and tops of books.
—Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Fragrances of flesh and fur and spines and rot reach him from a distance to engorge his nose.
—María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
The lion’s mane mushroom grows in clumps of smooth white spines that dangle from a central base—a feature that has inspired several of its common names.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2026
The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.
—Chloe Shrager, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
They are characterized by being a white fungus with downward cascading spines and are typically found in the fall.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
Wear thick gloves to protect yourself from spines, needles, and sap.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
How Scientists Confirmed the Species The study said the new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026
Bookcases and books Take everything off the shelves, then dampen a clean, microfiber towel in warm water and wring out to wipe the shelves and spines and tops of books.
—Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Fragrances of flesh and fur and spines and rot reach him from a distance to engorge his nose.
—María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
The lion’s mane mushroom grows in clumps of smooth white spines that dangle from a central base—a feature that has inspired several of its common names.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2026
The current crisis in Iran has sent memories bubbling to the surface for the collective, and chills down the spines of viewers.
—Chloe Shrager, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
They are characterized by being a white fungus with downward cascading spines and are typically found in the fall.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
Wear thick gloves to protect yourself from spines, needles, and sap.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
How Scientists Confirmed the Species The study said the new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spines
Noun
-
Hundreds of animals with backbones are still being discovered every single year.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
-
To start the new Mideast war, Donnie acted on his own with no resistance from his sycophants, who have no backbones.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dancers are strewn about the stage on their backs, bent legs pointed skyward in a quasi-rigor mortis.—
Lauren Warnecke,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
At Folsom Field on Saturday, the Florida State legend was all over the field giving the defensive backs advice during the hour-long scrimmage.—
Pat Graham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spines. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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