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vertebrate

noun

Definition of vertebratenext
as in animal
biology an animal that has a backbone

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vertebrate Erin Maxwell, an expert in Early Jurassic marine vertebrates at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, Germany, lamented the sale as a loss to the UK. — News Desk, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026 In humans and other vertebrates, aging hearts typically accumulate scar-like collagen deposits called fibrosis. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Like Jimothy, Cooper has short spine syndrome, a rare congenital condition in which an animal's vertebrate doesn't develop into bone during fetal development. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Because of their smaller body sizes than vertebrates, arthropods are often portrayed as prey of vertebrates. — Jay Kakade july 13, New Atlas, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vertebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertebrate
  1. animal
  2. creature
  3. critter
Noun
  • The whale did not eat as consistently as her fellow animals, which complicated the efforts to keep her well-fed and hydrated, according to the statement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • No animals that might cause people to wonder, or to feel wonder, at their own place in the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • The material inequities that result from anti-Blackness, housing discrimination, or financial insecurity are conveniently absent; Yrsa is a creature absorbed by her own grievances and frustrations.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Riparian habitats, like creeks flowing through canyons, are home to sensitive creatures including California newts, frogs and toads.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • After looping around the moon, the critters spent a few more days in transit for the trip home.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Anything that retains moisture is enticing to springtails, as well as other critters such as silverfish, book lice, and millepedes.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of critter

Browse Nearby Words

vertebral columns
vertebrate
vertebrates
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Cite this Entry

“Vertebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertebrate. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vertebrate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vertebrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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