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
  • People constantly move throughout the space cleaning out cages and checking on any sick animals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Yet the filmmakers infuse it with levity, showing his love and affinity for animals, as well ashis musical talents.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • The the world’s largest mountain range and deepest canyon occupy these might waters, but warming waters and habitat destruction have left the ocean‘s creatures struggling.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026
  • No other compound can unlock as much energy—and any creature that goes without O2 has to make do with less.
    — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • 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
  • Look for a variety of birds of prey, slithering reptiles, and little critters that run from here to there.
    — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 15 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 20 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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