1
: free from spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no spinal column : invertebrate
b
: lacking strength of character
spinelessly
adverb
spinelessness
noun
Examples of spineless in a Sentence
a spineless man who let his wife make all the decisions
spineless seamen who trembled at the first roar of the cannon
Recent Examples on the Web
My candidacy is a symbol of the end of the weak-kneed, feckless Republican leadership of Mitch McConnell, and the spineless swamp jellyfish that are in the United States Senate representing the Republicans.
—
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Because Republicans in Congress are spineless.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Many Democrats, including progressives, said the move was spineless on Schumer’s part.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Within hours — in what could only be described as a spineless and cowardly move — the network and those broadcasters took the bait and silenced him.
—Jason Bailey, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
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Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Because Republicans in Congress are spineless.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Many Democrats, including progressives, said the move was spineless on Schumer’s part.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
Within hours — in what could only be described as a spineless and cowardly move — the network and those broadcasters took the bait and silenced him.
—Jason Bailey, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spineless. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spineless
adjective
spine·less
ˈspīn-ləs 
1
: having no spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no backbone : invertebrate
b
: lacking spirit, courage, or determination
spinelessly
adverb
spinelessness
noun
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