Invertebrate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /(ˌ)in-ˈvər-tə-brət/ in·ver·te·brate

Meaning & Definition of Invertebrate

Invertebrate (adjective)

  1. lacking a spinal column; also, of, relating to, or concerned with invertebrate animals
  2. lacking in strength or vitality, weak

Invertebrate (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking strength of will or character

    "an invertebrate Congress that blithely went along with the President's ill-conceived plan"

    similar: characterless, effete, frail, limp-wristed, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, nerveless, soft, spineless, weak, weak-kneed, weakened, weakling, wet (British), wimpish, wimpy, wishy-washy
    related: flabby, flaccid, forceless, ineffective, ineffectual, impotent, impuissant, powerless, emasculated, unnerved, lamblike, meek, pliable, submissive, corrupt, dastardly, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous, cowardly, craven, fainthearted, lily-livered, nebbishy, poltroon, pusillanimous, sissy, timid, infirm, irresolute, vacillating
    opposite: backboned, firm, hard, strong, tough
    near: ethical, good, moral, principled, right, righteous, upright, virtuous, determined, mettlesome, resolute, unrelenting, courageous, stalwart, stouthearted

Invertebrate (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in vertebrate

    similar: vertebrate, carnivore, herbivore, insectivore, domestic animal, pet, biped, quadruped, feral, blastie (Scottish), varmint, vermin, livestock, stock, animal, beast, beastie, brute, creature, critter

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Invertebrate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Invertebrate:

British: wet
Scottish: blastie
characterless, effete, frail, limp-wristed, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, nerveless, soft, spineless, weak, weak-kneed, weakened, weakling, wimpish, wimpy, wishy-washy, vertebrate, carnivore, herbivore, insectivore, domestic animal, pet, biped, quadruped, feral, varmint, vermin, livestock, stock, animal, beast, beastie, brute, creature, critter

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Invertebrate

Words with the opposite meaning of Invertebrate:

backboned, firm, hard, strong, tough

Related Words for Invertebrate

flabby, flaccid, forceless, ineffective, ineffectual, impotent, impuissant, powerless, emasculated, unnerved, lamblike, meek, pliable, submissive, corrupt, dastardly, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous, cowardly, craven, fainthearted, lily-livered, nebbishy, poltroon, pusillanimous, sissy, timid, infirm, irresolute

Near Antonyms of Invertebrate

ethical, good, moral, principled, right, righteous, upright, virtuous, determined, mettlesome, resolute, unrelenting, courageous, stalwart, stouthearted

Word Forms of Invertebrate

Derived words: invertebrate (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Invertebrate

New Latin invertebratus, from Latin in- + New Latin vertebratus vertebrate

First known use: 1819

Frequently Asked Questions about Invertebrate

What does "Invertebrate" mean?

"Invertebrate" means lacking a spinal column; also, of, relating to, or concerned with invertebrate animals. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: lacking a spinal column; also, of, relating to, or concerned with invertebrate animals. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Invertebrate"?

Other words for "Invertebrate" include characterless, effete, frail, limp-wristed, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, nerveless and soft. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Invertebrate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Invertebrate"?

There are 68 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Invertebrate". Common alternatives include characterless, effete, frail, limp-wristed, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, nerveless, soft, spineless and weak.

What is the opposite of "Invertebrate"?

Antonyms of "Invertebrate" include backboned, firm, hard, strong and tough. Near antonyms include ethical, good, moral and principled.

How do you use "Invertebrate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Invertebrate" in a sentence: "an invertebrate Congress that blithely went along with the President's ill-conceived plan".

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

"Invertebrate" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Invertebrate"?

"Invertebrate" is pronounced /(ˌ)in-ˈvər-tə-brət/ and divided into syllables as in·ver·te·brate.

What is the origin of the word "Invertebrate"?

"Invertebrate" comes from New Latin invertebratus, from Latin in- + New Latin vertebratus vertebrate. First known use: 1819.