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
Courtenay Brown Apr 5, 2025 - Business A manufacturer's up-close view of Trump's tariffs
This is the hard truth for American manufacturers: Trump's tariffs are all but inescapable unless the global supply chain — the decades-long backbone of domestic manufacturing — is replicated stateside.
—
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
These rehabilitative efforts have formed the backbone of former district attorney Gascón’s argument that the brothers should be released – an effort now being capsized by his successor.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Many Amazon sellers are small business owners relying on the platform as a side job to earn extra income or as the backbone of their small and medium-sized businesses.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The backbone of the result, which puts them on the verge of qualifying for next year’s World Cup, was their defensive performance.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
These rehabilitative efforts have formed the backbone of former district attorney Gascón’s argument that the brothers should be released – an effort now being capsized by his successor.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Many Amazon sellers are small business owners relying on the platform as a side job to earn extra income or as the backbone of their small and medium-sized businesses.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The backbone of the result, which puts them on the verge of qualifying for next year’s World Cup, was their defensive performance.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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There are two words that tend to send a shiver down my spine: Google and AI.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Bryant saw noted orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles on Monday.—
Beth Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There comes a moment for every leader when the clearest sign of strength is found not in agreement, compromise, or accommodation but in the clarity and courage to firmly say no.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Adding to the timeliness of this welter of Weill is the composer’s reputation for political courage.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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That takes some fortitude, when world trade is on the verge of collapse, consumers are frightened and businesses can’t plan anything.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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This time, logistics and luck were in my favor, and the fortitude came in handy during a dizzying three-hour ride to Himachal Pradesh, flying through hairpin turns on steep roads, as a thick mist churned over the mountains.—
Sarah Khan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber, magnesium, and vitamin A.10 6.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
14 Apr. 2025
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Gut healthy ingredients Health-conscious consumers have also become increasingly focused on gut health in recent years, and an array of beverages featuring gut-healthy ingredients like probiotics and fiber (especially prebiotic fibers) have hit the market.—
Jess Cording,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In both world wars, the key to victory was not so much military prowess as unbeatable stamina.—
Lawrence D. Freedman,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Apr. 2025
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Speed and stamina are core aspects of their role, and for most, these take a nosedive around these ages.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Expect grit, drama — and probably some snow metaphors.—
Julia Ranney,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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College admissions officers actively seek students who demonstrate grit—the ability to persevere through setbacks.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Ancient Rome is cool because of gladiators, Julius Caesar — and yes, the underlying lore of strength, bravery and epic feats of masculinity.—
Donie O'Sullivan,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2025
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In many of Kim Won Suk’s dramas, there’s an inspiring character—one whose acts of kindness, compassion, bravery and loyalty motivates viewers to do the right thing in their own lives.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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After 11 years of perseverance and determination, Rory McIlroy finally secured his elusive Grand Slam win, donning the iconic green jacket with tears of joy streaming down his face.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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In both, a scrappy frontier upstart fought off its former master, counting on home field advantage, capable allies, and sheer determination to secure victory.—
Tom Bell,
Oc Register,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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