spineless

1 of 2

adjective

spine·​less ˈspīn-ləs How to pronounce spineless (audio)
Synonyms of spinelessnext
1
: free from spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no spinal column : invertebrate
b
: lacking strength of character
spinelessly adverb
spinelessness noun

spinelessness

2 of 2

noun

spine·​less·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being spineless

Synonyms of spineless

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Adjective

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Examples of spineless in a Sentence

Adjective 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Many Democrats, including progressives, said the move was spineless on Schumer’s part. — Julia Manchester, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025 He must be impeached, but with a spineless Congress and a corrupt Supreme Court how this will happen is in grave doubt. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026 And now the nation will probably never get back to normal because a spineless GOP can never admit that it’s been conned. — Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 22 May 2026 Republicans in Congress have become spineless sycophants to a president who only sees the beauty of this country in dollar signs. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spineless

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spineless was in 1827

Browse Nearby Words

spinel
spineless
spinelessly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spineless. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spineless

adjective
spine·​less ˈspīn-ləs How to pronounce spineless (audio)
1
: having no spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no backbone : invertebrate
b
: lacking spirit, courage, or determination
spinelessly adverb
spinelessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spineless

Nglish: Translation of spineless for Spanish Speakers

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