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 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 Even more frightening, the percentage exceeded 50% in many groups, including insects, terrestrial vertebrates, and marine species. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vertebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertebrate
  1. animal
  2. creature
  3. critter
Noun
  • The animals are safe, but their home took a direct hit that left parts of the zoo unrecognizable.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Without the proper tools on site, animal services had to take it back to the shelter and flood the helmet to flush the snake out.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • The clip continues with the fox switching swimming directions, putting the animal closer to an area where Six Flags employees stand ready to scoop up the creature.
    — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • For others, those creatures are their whole lives—and livelihoods.
    — ForbesTV, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • As Roku’s city council scours the internet to see what the next viral critter might be, observers are already worried that Jimothy’s time is limited.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, use a Bug Blaster hose end sprayer to blast the upper and undersides of the leaves with water and blow the critters away.
    — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vertebrate

Nglish: Translation of vertebrate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vertebrate

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