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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backbone
Task shifting has been the backbone of rapidly scaling biomedical interventions, such as HIV treatment.
—
Jessica Magidson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Home Wi-Fi networks are the backbone of how most people get online, connecting laptops, phones, smart TVs and more.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
For decades, the CDC has been the backbone of global health partnerships, supporting Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola and now COVID-19.
—Stan Chu Ilo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
This clearing away of the symbolic backbone of revolutionary virtues marked a return to authoritarian rule.
—Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Jessica Magidson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Home Wi-Fi networks are the backbone of how most people get online, connecting laptops, phones, smart TVs and more.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
For decades, the CDC has been the backbone of global health partnerships, supporting Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola and now COVID-19.
—Stan Chu Ilo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
This clearing away of the symbolic backbone of revolutionary virtues marked a return to authoritarian rule.
—Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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Laura is frantic about saving Daniel after learning Cherry pushed her father from a construction site, fracturing his spine in two places.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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The new species was identified by its DNA, body proportions, eye size, fin spines, internal anatomy and other subtle physical features, the study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Harry brought his trademark humor and warmth to the awards, a ceremony honoring seriously ill children who have shown incredible courage, joking and making smiles all around.—
Erin Hill,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The WellChild Awards, which celebrates the courage of seriously ill children and those who care for them, is sponsored by a charity Harry has long supported.—
Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This is a testament to her mental fortitude, perhaps strongest of the three.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Throughout the writhing and the screaming, Julia’s fortitude wears down a defiant Davina, whose history with Lovat feeds the moment.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Online fiber arts discourse is no place for the weak.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
11 Sep. 2025
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Its natural fiber wick ensures a quality burn and long-lasting scent, giving you time to notice the subtle hints of clove beneath the stronger apple peel fragrance.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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By blending athlete-like stamina with surgeon-level dexterity, KAERI is charting a path toward robotic first responders capable of tackling nuclear, disaster, and industrial challenges with unmatched safety.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
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After all, Miami seemingly has stamina to withstand searing heat after practicing in it all summer, while the opponent typically comes to town ill-prepared for the oppressive temperatures and humidity.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Chef’s specialties include cast iron cinnamon rolls and ancho chile ceasar salad, alongside oysters on the half shell and shallot shrimp grits.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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If the leaves are especially dirty, soak in cold water, gently agitating them to loosen dirt and grit.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Two of Pluto's midsize moons may be made of the guts of its largest moon, Charon, new research suggests.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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Still today, bacteria living in vertebrate guts form coprostanol by metabolizing cholesterol, and coprostanol is typically released into the environment as waste product (curiously enough, human feces are especially enriched in coprostanol).—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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With Julian, Kusters has made an impressive, understated directorial debut about love, loss and the bravery required to keep trying to live in an unfair world.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
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Interpreting fall 2025 runways’ animal print trend on a more literal level, Tyla also went with Pandora Talisman collection picks like the Swallow Medallion Charm and Lion Medallion Charm, representative of hope and bravery, respectively.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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