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 backbone of March’s young family and an incredible mother to their son Dot, Nat is gone but not forgotten.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
The investor said 85% of Comfort’s 19,000 strong labor force goes to a job site every day to construct some of the most complex and critical facilities that make up the backbone of the country.
—Pia Singh,yun Li, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Washington’s ability to stand by its agreements has been the backbone of many essential global institutions, including NATO.
—Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
Clean electricity is the backbone of modern economies, and its reliability is essential for households, hospitals, transport and businesses alike.
—María Mendiluce, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
The investor said 85% of Comfort’s 19,000 strong labor force goes to a job site every day to construct some of the most complex and critical facilities that make up the backbone of the country.
—Pia Singh,yun Li, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Washington’s ability to stand by its agreements has been the backbone of many essential global institutions, including NATO.
—Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
Clean electricity is the backbone of modern economies, and its reliability is essential for households, hospitals, transport and businesses alike.
—María Mendiluce, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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Workshop attendees will learn about free Arkansas resources, digital health clinics, a free 24/7 brain and spine call center, brain injury support groups and more.—
Deb Harvell,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
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Bagnoli molded these unheralded players into the formidable spine of a team and – thanks to the club’s forward-thinking board and an injection of money through a sponsorship deal with Canon – Verona was able to add a sprinkling of European talent to the Italian core.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Noun
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This is where the first-responder physio plays a critical role — staying vigilant, trusting their training and instincts, and having the courage to make the tough decision to remove a player when necessary.—
Geoff Scott,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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But any single act of courage might shift the trajectory of your life —or that of others.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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At the time, videos of motivational speakers and clips focused on mental fortitude became a regular part of his life.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2025
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The word cowboy itself was used in a derogatory way to describe the former slaves as 'boys,' ... destroying the negative connotation, what remains is the strength and resiliency of these men who were the true definition of Western fortitude.—
Alex Gonzalez,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
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This matters because wheat germ and bran contain important nutrients like protein, fiber, minerals and key vitamins.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
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These foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that support overall health and well-being.5 Focus on consuming a variety of high- and low-oxalate foods.—
Roxana Ehsani,
Health,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Over time, this mindset builds creative stamina and psychological safety, both critical for navigating complex roles.—
Rob Robinson,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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The actors were so committed and had such dramatic stamina.—
Manohla Dargis,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Thankfully, the astonishing Deirdre O’Connell has brought Francis to life with vivacity, humor, and grit.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
28 May 2025
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From a spirited young girl splashing in the brown waters of Galveston to a woman carving her place as a wife, mother and businesswoman, Mama Tina's journey is full of grit, grace and resilience.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Even in those first sessions, Nikola stood out for his incredible bravery when going up against older boys.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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That indignation, those headlines, the praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bravery and leadership cooling dramatically since those early days–in Europe and America.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Noun
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While an immigration judge in Louisiana has found Khalil deportable based on Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s determination, his lawyers separately brought the federal court case to ask Farbiaz to weigh in on the constitutional issues at play.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
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And there is determination and Stovall has plenty of that.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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