1
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character
the spinelessness that the grown woman has shown in dealing with her overbearing mother
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fearfulness
a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger
charged the midshipman with sickening spinelessness under fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spinelessness
Noun
-
Oklahoma City addressed most of its playoff weaknesses from last May.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025 -
This Jayhawks squad lacks the right pieces around Harris and Adams — players who could amplify their strengths while covering for some of their weaknesses.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
When players try to preserve their shooting percentages by intentionally waiting for the clock to run out, Pritchard sees only cowardice.—
Jay King,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
-
Admittedly, there’s a kind of intellectual arrogance, or moral cowardice, in holding myself apart from faith.—
Lawrence Wright,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Reid’s statement was striking for its sheer pusillanimity.—
Adam S. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Dec. 2015
-
What a profile in pusillanimity.—
The Editorial Board,
WSJ,
23 May 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Spinelessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spinelessness. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share