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
Turang is also a terrific two-way player, the backbone of the Brewers.
—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The backbone of that integration is the reusability of the SpaceX Starship rocket, which was still in a test phase as of May but could connect the company’s segments and allow significant savings in overhead costs.
—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
Officials on Tuesday emphasized that the goal is not merely to arrest low-level members but to dismantle the organization’s operational backbone.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
White blood cells and inflammatory proteins were flooding into her backbone, damaging nerve fibers that carry electrical signals between brain and body.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The backbone of that integration is the reusability of the SpaceX Starship rocket, which was still in a test phase as of May but could connect the company’s segments and allow significant savings in overhead costs.
—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
1 July 2026
Officials on Tuesday emphasized that the goal is not merely to arrest low-level members but to dismantle the organization’s operational backbone.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
White blood cells and inflammatory proteins were flooding into her backbone, damaging nerve fibers that carry electrical signals between brain and body.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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The true story of the Texas spine surgeon who injured and even killed patients under his care takes center stage in the season 1 adaptation of the popular podcast.
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Butler testified during the trial that the bullet hit him in the shoulder and missed his spine by centimeters.
Noun
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Their courage quickly wavers in the face of the location’s eerie atmosphere and the deafening sound of cicadas.
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That courage is greater than talent, and people remember who had it.
Noun
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What sets him apart is his character, mental fortitude and sheer physical resilience.
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There may have been flaws in the analysis provided to the president before his decision to strike, or if there weren’t, then no one in the intelligence community had the fortitude or gravitas to help the president understand the realities of the situation.
Noun
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Including plenty of fiber in your diet can help reduce how quickly sugar is absorbed.
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Avocados provide unsaturated fats and fiber, while whole-grain bread adds even more fiber.
Noun
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Be honest about your age, health and stamina.
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In Taurus, however, the red planet trades speed for stamina.
Noun
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The fans got their wish after a roller coaster of emotions as Team USA, down a man for the final 36 minutes after a Folarin Balogun red card, showed grit, poise and never-say-die attitude to hang on for a 2-0 win to advance to the Round of 16.
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Surviving a World Cup knockout-stage brawl takes a special kind of grit.
Noun
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After dropping out of high school in 1922, Ed Link followed his father into the family business, learning how bellows and pneumatic pressure—the guts of organs—could be made to simulate movement.
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In one montage played for laughs, an emperor is squashed by a panda and a king is beheaded, although there is no blood or guts to speak of.
Noun
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Just watching as a fan from a distance, I was impressed by her bravery.
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There has been an outpouring of support on social media for those who stopped to help, heralding their bravery and selflessness.
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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