as in animals
biology
an animal that has a backbone
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Recent Examples of vertebrates
Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology confirmed that octopuses are genuinely asleep during this active phase rather than simply resting, and that the state closely resembles REM sleep in vertebrates, including humans, per The Guardian.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
In all vertebrates, the thymus degenerates very rapidly with age.
—Mallory Locklear, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Hundreds of new vertebrates annually.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Here, Sihang Zhang and Peiyun Cong found specimens of two myllokunmingid species, representing the earliest vertebrates.
—New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2026
The findings also suggest that herbivory evolved independently in several different groups of early land vertebrates, not just in the ancestors of modern reptiles.
—Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
The fruit fly research by Freeman’s team indicates the next steps in research in vertebrates; in the same Science issue the group reported that norepinephrine changes how astrocytes respond to input from neurons.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Suddenly, most of the major groups of animals alive today — including vertebrates which would eventually include humans — evolved and started populating the world's oceans.
—CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Ethanol is a potential toxin for all vertebrates, including bats and humans.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2025
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
In all vertebrates, the thymus degenerates very rapidly with age.
—Mallory Locklear, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
Hundreds of new vertebrates annually.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Here, Sihang Zhang and Peiyun Cong found specimens of two myllokunmingid species, representing the earliest vertebrates.
—New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2026
The findings also suggest that herbivory evolved independently in several different groups of early land vertebrates, not just in the ancestors of modern reptiles.
—Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
The fruit fly research by Freeman’s team indicates the next steps in research in vertebrates; in the same Science issue the group reported that norepinephrine changes how astrocytes respond to input from neurons.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026
Suddenly, most of the major groups of animals alive today — including vertebrates which would eventually include humans — evolved and started populating the world's oceans.
—CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Ethanol is a potential toxin for all vertebrates, including bats and humans.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertebrates
Noun
-
Scythia’s plants are its animals, and vice versa, blooming and breeding in alternate generations.—
Stephanie Burt,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Yet rats may be one of the most awe-worthy animals on the planet.—
Jason Bittel,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Exotic species such as whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and bluefin tuna were seen by boaters and anglers who marveled at the sea creatures more common in tropical waters.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
27 Mar. 2026
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After their work, these creatures became individuals with names, families, histories and personalities.—
Mireya Mayor,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some blame the cleanliness of an environment if there is a presence of bed bugs, but really, these critters will show up anywhere there is food.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Now, viral video footage of a group of dogs stranded on the side of a busy roadway in China has drawn plenty of comparisons to the story, showing a reminiscent group of household critters huddling together.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Interdiction of humans, that is, not quadrupeds.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
30 Mar. 2026
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These mechanical quadrupeds, made by the likes of Boston Dynamics and Ghost Robotics, can patrol premises, scanning the perimeter for intruders, spies, and other ne’er-do-wells, and sound the alarm when holes in fences or other suspicious things are detected.—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Abby’s Magical Beasties, where one of the beasties goes missing, and Abby must problem-solve.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
3 Nov. 2025
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In a horrific twist, Kasumi (Kana Hanazawa) wakes up way too early — and thus has to battle the ferocious beasties to survive.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vertebrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertebrates. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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