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
Other prominent Republicans also weighed in, framing themselves and their supporters as the backbone of professional football’s traditional audience.
—
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
With this in mind, Szakin recommends prioritizing public transit over taxis, noting that Japan’s rail and subway networks—from local and regional trains to the high-speed shinkansen (bullet train)—form the backbone of travel throughout the country.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Grow a backbone, quit bowing down.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Worn with a crisp button-down, an oversized knit, or an easy jacket, the right trousers are the backbone of any working wardrobe.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
With this in mind, Szakin recommends prioritizing public transit over taxis, noting that Japan’s rail and subway networks—from local and regional trains to the high-speed shinkansen (bullet train)—form the backbone of travel throughout the country.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Grow a backbone, quit bowing down.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Worn with a crisp button-down, an oversized knit, or an easy jacket, the right trousers are the backbone of any working wardrobe.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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One flight attendant was lifted to the celling and then thrown to the floor, fracturing her spine.—
Aaron Cooper,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
One of the bullets severed his spine, leaving him paralyzed on a respirator.—
Alice Gainer,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There is always a final shot — the one taken out of misplaced faith that courage can be distilled.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
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February 19 – March 20 When kindness meets courage, hearts feel safe.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That probably takes as much strength and fortitude as taking a knee when no one else will.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
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Those who had greater mental fortitude—the ability to find emotional steadiness when faced with a traumatic event—fared better than those with less resilience who were hit with the same diagnosis.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Experts recommend snacks that combine protein, fiber and healthy fats, helping glucose stay within a narrow, steady range for hours.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Add to Smoothies or Banana Bread In small amounts, banana peels can be used in smoothies or banana bread to add fiber without affecting the flavor or texture.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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To have the stamina, and also to have the audience...—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
2 Feb. 2026
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Later this month and March ratchet between ideas and low confidence, plans and deception, control and discouragement, stamina and disappointment.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For even more carb-friendly pairing ideas, Pasquariello suggests whole-grain toast, sautéed potatoes, grits, or even a piece of fruit.—
Ashia Aubourg,
Outside,
8 Feb. 2026
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However, kids need to be challenged in order to develop the skills, tenacity, grit, and self-reliance needed to (eventually) function in the world on their own.—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This takes a lot of guts, Lind says.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
9 Feb. 2026
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Both are up to the task, grounding these sometimes floaty proceedings in some human guts and grit.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But nothing compared to Vietnam when showcasing Black bravery, strength, and even political expression in the war zones of Southeast Asia.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
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In the sub-zero temperatures of winter, everyday Minnesotans have showed the nation their bravery, empathy and decency in the face of rogue agents masquerading as law enforcement officers.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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