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
The software backbone is Soldier Borne Mission Command-Architecture (SBMC-A).
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
But despite that, consumer spending — the backbone of the economy — has stayed strong.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Their Classic Stir Fry Sauce rests on a salty (but not too salty) backbone of tamari, warmth from garlic and ginger, nuttiness from sesame oil, a touch of sweetness from agave, plus mushroom powder for umami.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
High-performance culture is the backbone of modern sport … and for good reason.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
But despite that, consumer spending — the backbone of the economy — has stayed strong.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Their Classic Stir Fry Sauce rests on a salty (but not too salty) backbone of tamari, warmth from garlic and ginger, nuttiness from sesame oil, a touch of sweetness from agave, plus mushroom powder for umami.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
High-performance culture is the backbone of modern sport … and for good reason.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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Laura is frantic about saving Daniel after learning Cherry pushed her father from a construction site, fracturing his spine in two places.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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The new species was identified by its DNA, body proportions, eye size, fin spines, internal anatomy and other subtle physical features, the study said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ironically, the very adaptability and intellectual courage the future demands are often harder to cultivate in today’s college climate.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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In an atmosphere of repression and fear, these women discover courage, solidarity, and the power of imagination through the simple transformative act of reading together.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This is a testament to her mental fortitude, perhaps strongest of the three.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Throughout the writhing and the screaming, Julia’s fortitude wears down a defiant Davina, whose history with Lovat feeds the moment.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Online fiber arts discourse is no place for the weak.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
11 Sep. 2025
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Its natural fiber wick ensures a quality burn and long-lasting scent, giving you time to notice the subtle hints of clove beneath the stronger apple peel fragrance.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as the Long Walk.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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That was a different type of stamina to stay in that emotional truth.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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For breakfast and lunch, there’s Gulf shrimp in a moat of creamy grits and massive triangles of quiche suspending earthy layers of collard greens.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Fish that will be made into a filet are split, with the meat heading in one direction, and the guts and roe down another conveyer belt.—
Andrew Watman,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Two of Pluto's midsize moons may be made of the guts of its largest moon, Charon, new research suggests.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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From families torn apart to moments of hope emerging in the face of unspeakable tragedy to incredible bravery against the odds, each episode reveals the human cost and resilience born out of chaos.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Sep. 2025
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These include helping your family, helping your group, demonstrating reciprocity, demonstrating bravery, respecting a hierarchy and your superiors, dividing resources in an equitable way and respecting ownership of property.—
Tracy Brower,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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