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
Relevance
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
Letter mail, which initially was the backbone of Canada’s post office, has seen a substantial decline as well.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025
As investor expectations climb, the company is quietly broadening its AI stack — moving beyond silicon into networking, software, and cloud integration in a bid to become the full-stack backbone of AI infrastructure.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 28 May 2025
While a good chef’s knife is the backbone of a cook’s toolset and one of the most versatile tools in any kitchen, there are some tasks that a simple knife can’t quite accomplish.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
Conversation is the backbone of a functioning partnership.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025
As investor expectations climb, the company is quietly broadening its AI stack — moving beyond silicon into networking, software, and cloud integration in a bid to become the full-stack backbone of AI infrastructure.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 28 May 2025
While a good chef’s knife is the backbone of a cook’s toolset and one of the most versatile tools in any kitchen, there are some tasks that a simple knife can’t quite accomplish.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
Conversation is the backbone of a functioning partnership.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
-
Erector spinae: The erector spinae are a group of muscles that support your spine.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
5 June 2025
-
This can prepare your body to safely move things without straining your spine, whether that be a bag of yard clippings, a squirming child, or a box of books.—
Christa Sgobba,
SELF,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Israel urgently needs new, sober leadership with clear realistic vision and self-confidence—leadership capable of reading our people's soul, understanding partners' and rivals' minds, and above all, having courage to make decisions and power to implement them.—
Ehud Barak,
Time,
2 June 2025
-
That vision inspired the recent launch of Courage for Cam, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading hope, love, and courage to children facing pediatric cancer.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Coco Gauff showcased her unrivaled fortitude in a grueling French Open triumph.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
10 June 2025
-
No Hollywood producer is scrambling for a script about the mental fortitude of a Chiefs regime that was overhauled after losing the most games in team history.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
There’s too much salt, sugar and bad fat; not enough fiber; and too many additives.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2025
-
None of Chandler's DNA was found at the murder scene, nor were any fibers found from her clothing, or any of her hair.—
Ruth Chenetz,
CBS News,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
And although the oceanic and overland legs of Twain’s journey required more patience and stamina than even a flight out of Newark, the hassle—and, more especially, the expense—worked in his favor.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2025
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Anyone unfamiliar with the basic combat rhythm of blocking, dodging, and expended precious stamina for an attack will die repeatedly even from basic groups of foes.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Fried has been everything and more the Yankees could have hoped for, getting to 8-1 through his first 11 starts with the mix of dominance and grit.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Rather than wait for wildlife officials to take management action, a few islanders are taking matters into their own hands with a plan full of small-town grit.—
Alice Jones Webb,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes appalling and hailed the bravery of rescuers.—
Brian Melley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
-
Jack Stowe, a 99-year-old U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, was honored for his bravery of enlisting in the military at only 15-years-old.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
From a basketball standpoint, Newell’s experiences with hard work and determination have manifested themselves into a never-ending urge to hunt offensive rebounds.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Despite facing serious health challenges, Les Jones continues to chase the trails as a powerful reminder that passion and determination can carry us far.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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