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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Recent Examples of spines
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
The new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features, the study said.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
The two Spinosaurus species, which were contemporaneous, shared the same general body plan including long dorsal spines forming the sail-like structure and a skull adapted for hunting fish.
—Reuters, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
This slow-growing columnar cactus looks striking in a pot because it’s covered in white, wooly spines that look like unkempt hair.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
While providing the soundtrack for an 1832 Paris street revolt, its message and spirit are adaptable to any time spines could use some steel when facing down an oppressor.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
Echidnas are known for their outer covering of protective spines.
—Kevin Omland, The Conversation, 9 Feb. 2026
In the background, composer Jerskin Fendrix worked with Lanthimos’ team to build the intensity and send a chill down viewers’ spines with his avant-garde music.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
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
The new species was identified based on body proportions, spines, scale pattern, coloring and other physical features, the study said.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2026
The two Spinosaurus species, which were contemporaneous, shared the same general body plan including long dorsal spines forming the sail-like structure and a skull adapted for hunting fish.
—Reuters, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
This slow-growing columnar cactus looks striking in a pot because it’s covered in white, wooly spines that look like unkempt hair.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
While providing the soundtrack for an 1832 Paris street revolt, its message and spirit are adaptable to any time spines could use some steel when facing down an oppressor.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
Echidnas are known for their outer covering of protective spines.
—Kevin Omland, The Conversation, 9 Feb. 2026
In the background, composer Jerskin Fendrix worked with Lanthimos’ team to build the intensity and send a chill down viewers’ spines with his avant-garde music.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spines
Noun
-
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
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Many are Latin American or African immigrants working in the agricultural, tourism or service sectors, backbones of Spain’s booming economy.—
Renata Brito,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Pedro Porro and Djed Spence will give the visitors width as wing-backs, while Randal Kolo Muani will likely keep his place after scoring in the derby.—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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The three prisoners were dragged to the wall and made to kneel, their backs to the crowd, their heads fitted into the indentations.—
Anand Gopal,
New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spines. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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