1
: free from spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no spinal column : invertebrate
b
: lacking strength of character
spinelessly
adverb
spinelessness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of spineless in a Sentence
a spineless man who let his wife make all the decisions
spineless seamen who trembled at the first roar of the cannon
Recent Examples on the Web
His spineless vice president and defense secretary then echoed Trump’s garbage.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025
Zuckerberg blasts Biden admin on Joe Rogan; Dave Portnoy calls CEO ‘spineless jellyfish’
Robby Soave and Lynda Tran react to Mark Zuckerberg’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
—The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
There are about 60 games left and plenty of time to make up that kind of ground, especially in the AL West against the spineless Mariners and after getting through the Astros last year.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 23 July 2024
Don’t let our spineless lawmakers trick you at the ballot box.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spineless 
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New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025
Zuckerberg blasts Biden admin on Joe Rogan; Dave Portnoy calls CEO ‘spineless jellyfish’
Robby Soave and Lynda Tran react to Mark Zuckerberg’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
—The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
There are about 60 games left and plenty of time to make up that kind of ground, especially in the AL West against the spineless Mariners and after getting through the Astros last year.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 23 July 2024
Don’t let our spineless lawmakers trick you at the ballot box.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spineless
Articles Related to spineless
Dictionary Entries Near spineless
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spineless. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spineless
adjective
spine·less
ˈspīn-ləs 
1
: having no spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no backbone : invertebrate
b
: lacking spirit, courage, or determination
spinelessly
adverb
spinelessness
noun
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