1
as in spine
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal
found the backbone of a fish lying on the beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in courage
the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship
it takes backbone to stand up to the kind of suffering that some cancer patients must endure
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of backbone
The Gulf Coast is the backbone of U.S. chemical manufacturing.
—
Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024
The Trump campaign said in an announcement that the auto industry is the backbone of the state's economy and both men are expected to discuss it, as well as inflation and other issues related to the economy.
—John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024
No matter the war or current controversy, the backbone of UNRWA is education.
—Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Oct. 2024
Homeownership has been the backbone of wealth building in the U.S. dating back to the 1950s.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone 
Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024
The Trump campaign said in an announcement that the auto industry is the backbone of the state's economy and both men are expected to discuss it, as well as inflation and other issues related to the economy.
—John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024
No matter the war or current controversy, the backbone of UNRWA is education.
—Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Oct. 2024
Homeownership has been the backbone of wealth building in the U.S. dating back to the 1950s.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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The coils offer full lumbar support and are arranged to cradle your spine but are also stiff around the edge.Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Lumbar spinal stenosis is a wear-and-tear condition in the lower back that causes the part of your spine that houses your spinal cord and nerves that supply your legs to narrow.Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Both scenes are memorable and stunning in a solid, not remarkable, film that warmly celebrates the unbending love shared between a mother and a son and the courage and bravery of Londoners during The Blitz.Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
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Unless Josh finally works up the courage to take his crush on Bananas to the next level.Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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European leaders are backing Ukraine as a matter of self-defense, and for Harris to stand arm in arm with them would demonstrate far more fortitude than Trump.Linda Robinson, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
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For some real fortitude, the nasi lemak is a mix of crispy chicken served with jasmine rice, a dollop of fried egg, and spicy sambal sauce—a breakfast of champions.Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Re-imagining the Wheel Due to their size and the presence of whorls, the pebbles were likely used as an early version of a spinning wheel to gather up fibers like wool or flax and transform it into yarn.Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
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Cotton fibers are hollow inside, and carry a slight negative charge.Wes Siler, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The extended conversation caused Trump to arrive hours late to his campaign rally in Traverse City, Michigan, though his supporters praised his stamina and work ethic for making the journey between campaign stops.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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Opening new booster packs requires stamina, and waiting one day builds up enough stamina for one pack.PCMAG, PCMAG, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Originally from Mississippi, Ratliff is infusing some Southern flair into the shop with new menu items like red beans and rice, Texas-style chili, organic non-GMO grits, collard greens, and sandwich offerings like rotisserie smoked chicken, pulled pork and Texas-style brisket.Sara Rosenthal, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
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Johnson added 12 points after repeatedly driving for layups, Dylan Andrews made two three-pointers on the way to 14 points and Sebastian Mack added 12 points to go with his trademark grit off the bench.Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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These outings have more to do with group bonding and proof of bravery than the supernatural.Elizabeth Friend, Longreads, 29 Oct. 2024
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Images of their odyssey were captured by Palestinian journalist Alaa Hamouda, with Qamar drawing praise for her bravery in a snapshot of the daily reality facing many Palestinians in the enclave.Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
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In 2022, the Electoral Count Reform Act, passed with bipartisan support, strengthened the original act by creating a system of judicial oversight, in which courts have the final say on the lawful counting of votes and determination of a slate of electors.Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
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Explaining the realities of decarbonizing to less expert audiences with strongly held views takes determination, patience and leadership.Dean Donovan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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