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
Immigrants are the backbone of countless industries in this country.
—
Tony Ortiz, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2025
Small businesses, the backbone of our local economy, are left to scramble against rising costs and supply chain uncertainty.
—Michael B Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
The lender’s investment banking operations, the backbone of its growth, expanded by an annual 30% to 2.4 billion euros in the fourth quarter, also increasing 15% year-on-year to 10.6 billion euros across the whole of 2024.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
These are the mission-critical applications and platforms that form the backbone of your operations.
—Tomás O’Leary, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Tony Ortiz, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2025
Small businesses, the backbone of our local economy, are left to scramble against rising costs and supply chain uncertainty.
—Michael B Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
The lender’s investment banking operations, the backbone of its growth, expanded by an annual 30% to 2.4 billion euros in the fourth quarter, also increasing 15% year-on-year to 10.6 billion euros across the whole of 2024.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
These are the mission-critical applications and platforms that form the backbone of your operations.
—Tomás O’Leary, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backbone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backbone
Noun
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Manipulating your neck too aggressively or frequently can also strain the muscles surrounding your cervical spine, which can lead to pain, stiffness, or muscle spasms in your neck.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
12 May 2025
-
The third passenger needed extensive physical therapy for damage done to his spine.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2025
Noun
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The book features contributions from leading activists, artists and ordinary citizens, who tell their own stories of breathtaking courage, cultural innovations and acts of resistance.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
9 May 2025
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My performance tells American stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, and they should be told and appreciated by all.—
Annette Hubbell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 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
-
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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Parsnips Often recognized for their digestive health benefits due to their fiber, parsnips are also rich in magnesium.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
9 May 2025
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Chicago Tribune The Trump administration wants to add fiber, wireless and satellite technology at more than 4,600 locations, replace 600 radars and increase the number of airports with systems designed to reduce near misses on runways.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Quality sleep sharpens your decision-making, improves emotional intelligence and gives you the stamina to lead with clarity and confidence.—
Ankur Bindal,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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That and his commitment to improving his performance and mental stamina have led him to a lot of athletic success, including with his current team.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 May 2025
Noun
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But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
15 May 2025
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Because buried underneath all the playoff grit and defensive toughness is a generational offensive weapon — one who can shift a game, a series, even a season with the flick of a wrist.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2025
Noun
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The hazardous lives of urban birds: Ian Frazier on the bravery of pigeons living outside the law.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
5 May 2025
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Mixed in with small pleasures and petty disputes with her older sister are true feats of survival and bravery.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
2 May 2025
Noun
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife did not indicate in its news release what may have caused the animal’s death but said a final determination will be made after a necropsy.—
Max Levy,
Denver Post,
16 May 2025
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This portrait of a chef who moved from Japan in the 1970s delivers a generous helping of warm and fuzzy feels, as its subject faces challenges with determination and celebrates the daily joy of creating beautiful bites.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backbone. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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