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
In a district where over 40% of residents are immigrants and food service jobs are the backbone of our local economy, this is a direct assault on our quality of life.
—
Bomi Kong, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
Despite warranties forming the backbone of Philadelphia’s housing quality governance system – and concerns that these laws saddle tenants with unreasonable enforcement responsibilities – little is known about whether warranties are even effective.
—Gabriel L. Schwartz, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
Brown said that questions about the need and cost were raised during planning for other large California reservoirs in decades past which now form the backbone of the state’s water supply.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 16 July 2025
Only when immigration agents gathered outside the Dodger Stadium parking lots last month did the team finally show some backbone, denying the agents entry and pledging $1 million to assist local immigrant families.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Bomi Kong, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
Despite warranties forming the backbone of Philadelphia’s housing quality governance system – and concerns that these laws saddle tenants with unreasonable enforcement responsibilities – little is known about whether warranties are even effective.
—Gabriel L. Schwartz, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
Brown said that questions about the need and cost were raised during planning for other large California reservoirs in decades past which now form the backbone of the state’s water supply.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 16 July 2025
Only when immigration agents gathered outside the Dodger Stadium parking lots last month did the team finally show some backbone, denying the agents entry and pledging $1 million to assist local immigrant families.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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Inside the operating room To correct his spine, John needed rods placed on either side of his spinal column along 13 vertebrae.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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Ascher made that vow in 2003 following a last-minute visit with a psychic that sent more than a few goosebumps down his spine.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Trapped in the depths of the ocean, surrounded by sharks and with a ruthless enemy lurking above, Tatiana – the lead role played by Marano – must use all her wit and courage to survive and save her friends.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
17 July 2025
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Representing someone who could face capital punishment requires a unique combination of experience, courage and dedication, said Bob Boruchowitz, longtime director of the Defender Initiative at Seattle University’s law school.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Strengthening building codes and restricting development in high-risk areas will require similar fortitude.—
Tik Root,
Wired News,
26 July 2025
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Being the chair of the Freedom Caucus isn’t worth anything to Maryland if Harris doesn’t have the fortitude to stand up to the president, especially when Marylanders need help.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
26 July 2025
Noun
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That means cotton or linen fibers in loose, open weaves to maximize airflow and avoid trapping heat.—
Amy Panos,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 July 2025
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An ounce of cheese plus a few whole grain crackers also gives you protein and whole grains, which are high in fiber and contain calcium and several B vitamins.—
Reyna Gobel,
NPR,
19 July 2025
Noun
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Investing In Neurotechnology-Based Solutions: Emerging tools like neurofeedback (i.e., real-time brain training based on EEG data) are gaining interest as non-invasive methods to enhance focus, regulate emotions, and build attention stamina over time.—
Ofer Lidsky,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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Casey ranks exceptionally high in stamina (94), strength (93) and injury (95), with a score closer to 99 indicating a player is less likely to get injured.—
Shaun Goodwin
July 14,
Idaho Statesman,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Agriculture is invented, only to wear down farmers’ teeth with grit from the stones used to mill grain.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
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Yes, that bag of grits that’s stashed away in your pantry.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Noun
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Larry loomed very large in their lives for a long time, so there was definitely a lot of bravery that people showed in coming forward to tell their truth.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
20 July 2025
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To come forward takes an extreme amount of bravery.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
16 July 2025
Noun
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In just a matter of days, internet users have praised Hall's incredible determination, leading to over 4,100 comments so far.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 July 2025
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There was something exhilarating about trekking next to people who knew nothing of my diagnosis, only my determination.—
Tess Moormans,
Travel + Leisure,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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