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
Tonight, the spider will continue its lattice; tonight, the crystals will sprout spines, shredding my soft tissues.
—
Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 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
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
Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 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
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
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
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Bogle is able to cross into the box, where the two strikers are again creating bedlam for the centre-backs.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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Outside backs Guilherme Biro and Mikkel Desler will be available to play significant minutes, coach Nico Estèvez said.—
Colby Gordon,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spines. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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