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 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 Insects and the like Most of the species cats ate were vertebrates – mostly birds, followed by mammals and reptiles. — Christopher A. Lepczyk, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 They are thought to be one of the first vertebrates that made a partial transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vertebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertebrate
  1. animal
  2. creature
  3. critter
Noun
  • Students in Poway High’s agricultural program have the opportunity to raise a variety of small and large animals and participate in competitions at the San Diego County Fair and Ramona Junior Fair each summer.
    — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Herding is a livelihood designed for high temperatures – the animals can be moved to where there’s food and water as needed.
    — Anne Pisor, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • Slash’s groundsnake won’t hurt humans, but human activity could spell disaster for this snake and other creatures in New Guinea.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
  • His project has left him with much more fellow-feeling for the creatures.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • Land targeted for conservation makes up a quilt of South Florida wilderness, from coastal wetland to tropical hammocks, inhabited by rare plants, butterflies, bats, snakes and other critters.
    — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There aren’t many of those critters in the Golden State and, when they’re found, officials seek to eradicate them.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 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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