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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backbone
Such chips are the backbone of the AI race, and can be used for military or civilian purposes.
—
Magdalena Petrova,eamon Javers, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
The sanctions move could significantly disrupt Venezuela’s oil exports, the backbone of its economy.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
Though George will be king someday, Charlotte is emerging as a backbone of the royal family—and her Christmas morning pat on the back is proof of that.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
The backbone of the American economy is being pushed from stable, professional roles into low-tier service work, resulting in an immediate 49% drop in income, and then financing their children’s basic nutrition with shadow debt.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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Calderon also looks for hardcover books and pays attention to the spines, not the fragile jackets.—
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One of the dogs was so thin that its spine, hips and ribs were easily visible, according to the report.—
Noun
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The gathering is not passive remembrance, but a collective act of courage.—
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Against a backdrop of a world divided, these teens rise with fire, wit, and unshakable humanity – delivering a masterclass in courage, conviction, and the kind of hope that refuses to be silenced.—
Noun
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In 1877, the poet Helen Hunt Jackson argued that winter is where fortitude gathers.—
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And consider her father’s mental fortitude to play in a 1979 European Cup semi-final against German champions Cologne — and score with a diving header — three days after learning his brother, Hughie, and sister-in-law, Isobel, had been killed in a car crash just outside Glasgow.—
Noun
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Cheese—when consumed in moderation—can be a safe component of a balanced diet that’s rich in whole foods like vegetables, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats.—
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All oats contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may aid digestion.—
Noun
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But the stamina of his thought is exactly proportionate to the depth of his love for his subject.—
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Too many are still waiting for resources, for clear answers, for a path that doesn’t require super-human stamina just to survive.—
Noun
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From favorites like collard greens and sweet potato casserole to updates on classics like potato salad and grits, these side dishes are like scooping up a bite of nostalgia.—
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But Ben’s defiance, instincts and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system.—
Noun
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Some even had the guts to ask for my driver’s license.—
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The skin, guts, and brains are the same but made of different things.—
Noun
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And she was given the keys to bravery.—
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What was so heartbreaking and inspiring was the quiet bravery and resilience of the people in Ukraine.—
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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