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
Major oil and gas deals signed Oil and gas, which have been the backbone of the country’s economy for over a century, continue to be the major economic driver, only now the country is looking internationally.
—
Panorama Media Ltd., Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
This is particularly apparent in the most high-performance environments involving enterprise backbones and hybrid applications that straddle traditional data centers and hyperscale cloud providers.
—Chris McHenry, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
In Mississippi and across the South, Black women—who have historically been the backbone of our families, our communities, and our economy—earn around 66 cents for every dollar a white man makes.
—Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Many Amazon sellers are small business owners relying on the platform as a side job to earn extra income or as the backbone of their small and medium-sized businesses.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Panorama Media Ltd., Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
This is particularly apparent in the most high-performance environments involving enterprise backbones and hybrid applications that straddle traditional data centers and hyperscale cloud providers.
—Chris McHenry, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
In Mississippi and across the South, Black women—who have historically been the backbone of our families, our communities, and our economy—earn around 66 cents for every dollar a white man makes.
—Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
Many Amazon sellers are small business owners relying on the platform as a side job to earn extra income or as the backbone of their small and medium-sized businesses.
—Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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For him, the worst parts of his treatment from 2022 to 2023 were the monthly visits for a lumbar puncture, when the medical team would insert a needle into his back to collect cerebrospinal fluid and administer a chemotherapy treatment directly into his spine.—
Amy Bizzarri,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
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Both men were transported to the hospital and survived the attack, though as of April 2019, Lathan remained in a wheelchair with a bullet lodged in his spine.—
Kelsey Lentz,
People.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The question is: Will your organization have the courage to relinquish outdated control mechanisms and embrace fluidity as its greatest strength?—
Izabela Lundberg,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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After 20 years, the Big Bang remains a symbol of modernity and creative courage.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Youth in the program learn to leverage the discipline and skill development from boxing and apply it to their daily lives to combat trauma and build mental fortitude.—
Lydia T. Blanco,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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What appears to be luck is actually a demonstration of skill: strong endgame coaching, say, or general mental fortitude.—
Tyler Foggatt,
The New Yorker,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Neutral, natural fibers like jute and rattan temper the playful hue.—
Laura Fenton,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Apr. 2025
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Carrots are a good source of vitamin A (as beta-carotene), fiber, magnesium and potassium, and are low in calories and fat – all nutritional properties that contribute to overall health.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Now a captain with that San Jose Fire Department, Condren will join other firefighters Saturday in Sacramento to offer those interested in becoming firefighters a glimpse into their profession, a chance to test their stamina on an agility course and an opportunity to check out equipment.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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People, not only Blacks and the downtrodden, prayed for his stamina.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Expect grit, drama — and probably some snow metaphors.—
Julia Ranney,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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College admissions officers actively seek students who demonstrate grit—the ability to persevere through setbacks.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The ceremony honored eight recipients from around the world for acts of bravery, activism, perseverance and more.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Reprising the role of the cocky Naval aviator required the bravery of a real fighter pilot.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Taking on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena is undoubtedly a tough challenge, one requiring visitors to have a combination of quality, gritty determination and a little luck.—
Adam Digby,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The committee considers several factors, when making its determinations, including real income, payroll employment, consumer spending, industrial production and gross domestic product.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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