Backbone — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈbak-ˈbōn/ back·bone

Meaning & Definition of Backbone

Backbone (noun)

  1. spinal column, spine
  2. something that resembles a backbone
  3. a chief mountain ridge, range, or system

Backbone (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal

    "found the backbone of a fish lying on the beach"

    similar: chine, spinal column, spine, vertebral column
    related: back, spinal cord, vertebra

  2. 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"

    similar: constancy, fiber, fortitude, grit, grittiness, guts, intestinal fortitude, pluck, spunk
    related: determination, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valor, endurance, forbearance, stamina, sufferance, tolerance, heart, mettle, spirit, audacity, boldness, brass, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, nerviness, temerity
    opposite: spinelessness
    near: indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation, cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, faintheartedness, pusillanimity, timidity, timorousness

Related Entry: Spinal column (noun)

Spinal column is a different word from Backbone. The synonyms below are for spinal column, not for backbone.

  1. a column of bones supporting the trunk of a vertebrate animal

    "a diagram of the spinal column"

    similar: backbone, chine, spine, vertebral column
    related: back, spinal cord, vertebra

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Backbone

The most common words with a similar meaning to Backbone:

chine, spinal column, spine, vertebral column, constancy, fiber, fortitude, grit, grittiness, guts, intestinal fortitude, pluck, spunk

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Backbone

Words with the opposite meaning of Backbone:

spinelessness

Related Words for Backbone

back, spinal cord, vertebra, determination, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valor, endurance, forbearance, stamina, sufferance, tolerance, heart, mettle, spirit, audacity

Near Antonyms of Backbone

indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation, cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, faintheartedness, pusillanimity, timidity, timorousness

Word Forms of Backbone

Derived words: backboned (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Backbone

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Backbone

What does "Backbone" mean?

"Backbone" means spinal column, spine. As a noun, it is defined as: spinal column, spine. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Backbone"?

Other words for "Backbone" include chine, spinal column, spine, vertebral column, constancy, fiber, fortitude and grit. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Backbone" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Backbone"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Backbone". Common alternatives include chine, spinal column, spine, vertebral column, constancy, fiber, fortitude, grit, grittiness and guts.

What is the opposite of "Backbone"?

Antonyms of "Backbone" include spinelessness. Near antonyms include indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution and vacillation.

How do you use "Backbone" in a sentence?

Examples of "Backbone" in a sentence: "found the backbone of a fish lying on the beach"; "it takes backbone to stand up to the kind of suffering that some cancer patients must endure".

Is "Backbone" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Backbone" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Backbone"?

"Backbone" is pronounced /ˈbak-ˈbōn/ and divided into syllables as back·bone.

What is the origin of the word "Backbone"?

First known use: 14th century.