1
: free from spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no spinal column : invertebrate
b
: lacking strength of character
spinelessly
adverb
spinelessness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of spineless in a Sentence
a spineless man who let his wife make all the decisions
spineless seamen who trembled at the first roar of the cannon
Recent Examples on the Web
There are about 60 games left and plenty of time to make up that kind of ground, especially in the AL West against the spineless Mariners and after getting through the Astros last year.
—
Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 23 July 2024
Don’t let our spineless lawmakers trick you at the ballot box.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
There’s also the charming indecision, the earnest desire to weigh all options against each other and seeing every side so that the only logical conclusion is to be mired in a well-meaning state of paralysis — which, in another dialect, translates to spineless lack of resolve and commitment phobia.
—Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2024
The cast has an abundance of exceptional performances from Kevin Kline (outstanding!), Lesley Manville, Sacha Baron Cohen (so good as Catherine’s spineless husband), and Kodi Smith-McPhee as their son.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spineless 
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Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 23 July 2024
Don’t let our spineless lawmakers trick you at the ballot box.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
There’s also the charming indecision, the earnest desire to weigh all options against each other and seeing every side so that the only logical conclusion is to be mired in a well-meaning state of paralysis — which, in another dialect, translates to spineless lack of resolve and commitment phobia.
—Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2024
The cast has an abundance of exceptional performances from Kevin Kline (outstanding!), Lesley Manville, Sacha Baron Cohen (so good as Catherine’s spineless husband), and Kodi Smith-McPhee as their son.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spineless
Articles Related to spineless
Dictionary Entries Near spineless
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spineless. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spineless
adjective
spine·less
ˈspīn-ləs 
1
: having no spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no backbone : invertebrate
b
: lacking spirit, courage, or determination
spinelessly
adverb
spinelessness
noun
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