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
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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
Well that question of what happened to Joe Francis took you to an undisclosed place in Mexico for this nine-hour interview that serves as the backbone of this documentary.
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Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Dec. 2024
Syria has served as a primary logistical backbone for the organization to build its missile arsenal in its home country Lebanon.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
Markets have been watching whether a continuation or escalation of the conflict could ultimately lead to hostilities targeting Iran’s key oil infrastructure — the backbone of its sanctioned economy.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024
The withdrawal of Matt Gaetz’ nomination to be Attorney General — the equivalent of an obscene gesture toward the Senate – suggests that some preservation instincts of co-exist along with doubts as to the strength of its backbone.
—Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone 
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Dec. 2024
Syria has served as a primary logistical backbone for the organization to build its missile arsenal in its home country Lebanon.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
Markets have been watching whether a continuation or escalation of the conflict could ultimately lead to hostilities targeting Iran’s key oil infrastructure — the backbone of its sanctioned economy.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024
The withdrawal of Matt Gaetz’ nomination to be Attorney General — the equivalent of an obscene gesture toward the Senate – suggests that some preservation instincts of co-exist along with doubts as to the strength of its backbone.
—Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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His social media posts include references to books on chronic back pain, and his X (formerly Twitter) profile features an image of a spine with surgical hardware, possibly indicating his own condition.Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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One of the photos on his X account is an X-ray of a spine with four large screws inserted.Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Here, Mars inspires the desire to express yourself with courage and confidence and take center stage with an open heart.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
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Can Anna and Maryam find the courage to voice their deepest confessions aloud?Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The fortitude, wisdom, and humanity of Hurley’s later-season characterization helped ameliorate the writing’s earlier efforts to undermine him—although these developments didn’t undo that history.Rebecca Bodenheimer, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2024
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Now Manny Diaz, Penn State’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons, hopes to keep the momentum rolling, largely by maintaining the Blue Devils’ defensive fortitude.Manny Navarro, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
Noun
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The Peruvian fiber adds a bit of loft and lightness to the sweater.Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024
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Dietary fiber promotes healthy digestion, cholesterol levels, colon health, and more.5 Vitamin C Sources That Boost Your Immune System Many good sources of vitamin C support healthy immune system functioning.Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Your blend of focus, heart, stamina and joy calls forth the best of everyone around you.Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024
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Few stars, especially those merely looking to burnish their personal brand, will have the stamina or interest to source editors, lawyers, designers, proofers, rights specialists, and all of the other professionals required to create, distribute, and sell a book.Lora Kelley, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
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High-pressure in commerce requires the same level of mental grit and discipline.Boris Kreiman, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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Her storylines involved deep vulnerability, immense grit, and intense personal grudges that often got her character into trouble with both her family and the law.Toria Sheffield, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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To the unaccompanied minors who have come from Central America for the last quarter of a century: Thank you for showing more bravery in your young lives than anyone in Trump’s administration can ever dream of.Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
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From small towns to bustling Chicago, the men left for war and came home with legacies of bravery, resilience and brotherhood.Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
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But the tribunal was not counting on the determination of Kaechele, who swiftly appealed its decision in the supreme court.Elizabeth Fortescue, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
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These early experiences built the foundation for a lifetime of creativity, hard work and determination.Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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