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
These include the manipulation of certain kinds of small molecules—the backbone of many different types of medicines, from antibiotics to corticosteroids.
—
Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
El Jardin de Elda is a tribute to Lola’s grandmother, who is the inspiration for the restaurant, and whose recipes form the backbone of the menu.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Founded in 1984, Cisco was once the backbone of the internet—and briefly the most valuable company in the world during the dot-com era, before the bubble burst.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 15 May 2026
That’s exactly why Madewell has become the backbone of my packing list.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
El Jardin de Elda is a tribute to Lola’s grandmother, who is the inspiration for the restaurant, and whose recipes form the backbone of the menu.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Founded in 1984, Cisco was once the backbone of the internet—and briefly the most valuable company in the world during the dot-com era, before the bubble burst.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 15 May 2026
That’s exactly why Madewell has become the backbone of my packing list.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Adventurers can backpack the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail, which runs along the island’s spine, or paddle between backcountry campsites while watching for moose along the shore.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
-
Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Both Judge Lang and Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden applauded the victim’s courage.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
-
One drink opened the chest, two turned fear into courage’s cheap cousin, three steadied the hand enough to write the future in invisible ink.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
For Garcia, that sense of something built by instinct and fortitude is part of what makes the next chapter feel so charged.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Like my predecessors, my life has been grounded in faith and fortitude.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Cabbage and cauliflower both support heart health with fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
19 May 2026
-
Aim for at least 25 grams of lean protein and 5 grams of fiber at your midday meal.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Training to Be Ellie Houston The performance has been months in the making, with Ellie deep in rehearsals and training to get her stamina half-time ready.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
-
Used for stress, focus, fatigue, and stamina (NCCIH).—
Ryan Brennan
May 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
There might be a fight to escape, but even those few who crawl over rocks and grit and sand to reach terra firma find their surroundings changed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
All of the classic, comforting flavors of good old shrimp and grits come together in easy, casserole form.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Allin, showing his guts, kept his pursuit of glory.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
That hole in my guts would have been partially filled.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Hannah Einbinder speaks about the cowardice of Hollywood on the Gaza genocide contrasted with Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil’s bravery.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
12 May 2026
-
There is still so much decency, intelligence, curiosity, kindness, and bravery among the people who work (or worked, before they were fired) in our government.—
Time,
Time,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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