spine

noun

ˈspīn How to pronounce spine (audio)
Definition of spinenext
as in vertebra
a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal he hurt his spine in the accident, but the doctor says he'll be walking again in no time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of spine Christopher, who was unarmed, was struck in his left arm, the bullet narrowly missing his spine. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 Florida’s defense, which allowed 211 yards on the ground to Missouri’s backup running back last week, will need to find a new spine (and a better way to load the box). — Noah White, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 The bullet lodged in the victim's spine, court documents said. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 In giving form to their resistance to Bicentennial events, the anti-catalog retrospectively contests any national fascia union in aesthetics, even though the role of the state was a spine. — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spine
  1. vertebra
  2. backbone
  3. back
Noun
  • Another piece sliced through his salivary gland before bouncing off his jaw and piercing the back of his neck, severing an artery and embedding in a vertebra.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Tuck your hips under, tilting your pelvis back, and slowly lift your hips toward the ceiling one vertebra at a time.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of vertebra
Noun
  • The language that’s known as the backbone of the internet is now subject to what experts describe as one of the most notable vulnerabilities in recent memory.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Stocchetto’s son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment but one that kept the vintage backbone intact, from the brocades and mirrors to the marble floor and dark wood panels.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • But many voters turned their backs on the party when Lula and other leaders became embroiled in corruption scandals in the 2010s.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than putting the rock into the arms of one of his reliable running backs and brute-forcing the 2 yards, Danielson kept the ball in fifth-year quarterback Maddux Madsen’s hands.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of back

Browse Nearby Words

spindrifts
spine
spine-chilling
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Cite this Entry

“Spine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spine. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spine

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