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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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for vertebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertebrate
  1. animal
  2. creature
  3. critter
Noun
  • Some must also be housed and cared for as evidence, either until charges against a defendant are dismissed or the animals are permanently seized by the government.
    — John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In species ranging from worms and flies to rodents and primates, caloric restriction produces animals that appear biologically younger than their age.
    — Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • More than 600 creatures are pictured, including horses, bison, deer, and aurochs, making the Lascaux caves one of the most concentrated showcases of cave art in existence.
    — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 10, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Barbara Cartland, like most successful writers, was a creature of routine.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 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 18 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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