dorsal

adjective

Definition of dorsalnext
as in rear

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dorsal Unlike most frog species that rely on water for egg development, this species uses a dorsal pouch to carry and nurture its young. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026 Unlike the vast majority of frog species that rely on water for egg development, this miniature amphibian uses a dorsal pouch to carry and nurture its young. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026 The two Spinosaurus species, which were contemporaneous, shared the same general body plan including long dorsal spines forming the sail-like structure and a skull adapted for hunting fish. — Reuters, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026 This reflexive behavior—reorienting themselves in response to the brightest object in their field of vision, natural or artificial—is called the dorsal light response. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dorsal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dorsal
  1. rear
  2. posterior
  3. back
  4. aft
Adjective
  • The vehicle sustained major rear damage and the front right tire struck the road’s curb.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • In addition, the rear brake lever has been repositioned to be more accessible than before.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Definition of rear
Adjective
  • Starter Michael Soroka left before the second inning with posterior hip discomfort sustained throwing warm-up pitches.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • The posterior chain is the muscles on the entire backside of your body, including your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back muscles.
    — Jakob Roze, Health, 18 June 2026
Definition of posterior
Adjective
  • Will Robinson allegedly suffered a thumb fracture and elbow and back injuries.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • On back-tob-back possessions, Lendeborg combined with Will Richard to smother one Spur attempt at the rim, and then covered for a botched defensive play by Graham Ike by blocking Miles Kelly’s attempt from seven feet away.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of back
Adjective
  • The belly attachment catches browns, and the aft attachment catches rainbows.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
  • There could also be different configurations, although some features like an aft private cabin with a double bed and the high-speed Starlink WiFi are a given.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of aft

Browse Nearby Words

dorms
dorsal
dory
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Cite this Entry

“Dorsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dorsal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dorsal

Nglish: Translation of dorsal for Spanish Speakers

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