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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spines
The new species was identified by its DNA, body proportions, eye size, fin spines, internal anatomy and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Spicomellus had a back that was probably bristling with sharper spines, along with far larger ones along its outer edges.
—ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025
Calderon also looks for hardcover books and pays attention to the spines, not the fragile jackets.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
Expect to marvel at saddles blanketed in blueberries and multi-hued wildflowers, marmots trilling their warnings, ibex perched on rocky spines, and neon critters that wiggle and hop underfoot.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Spicomellus had a back that was probably bristling with sharper spines, along with far larger ones along its outer edges.
—ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025
Calderon also looks for hardcover books and pays attention to the spines, not the fragile jackets.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
Expect to marvel at saddles blanketed in blueberries and multi-hued wildflowers, marmots trilling their warnings, ibex perched on rocky spines, and neon critters that wiggle and hop underfoot.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spines
Noun
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Platform product management is rarely treated as a strategic, first-class discipline, resulting in fragmented backbones that fail to support enterprise-wide innovation.—
Gaurav Dixit,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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By trading in metal backbones for a soft familiar-feeling vest, the wearable robot offers a more cost-effective and approachable solution for the millions of individuals worldwide who could possibly benefit from moderate limb support.—
Mack DeGeurin Aug 21,
Popular Science,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Most catfish have several thick black bars on their backs and tails.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Kansas City Royals know their backs are against the wall.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spines. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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