backbone

noun

(countable) The series of vertebrae, separated by disks, that encloses and protects the spinal cord, and runs down the middle of the back in vertebrate animals.

(countable, figuratively) Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure.

(uncountable, figuratively) Courage, fortitude, or strength.

Synonyms for backbone

spinen moxien gutsn mainstayn gritn rachisn gutsinessn vertebraen fortituden mettlen strengthn couragen nerven

Synonyms & related words for backbone

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of backbone — including spine, moxie, guts, mainstay, grit, rachis. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to backbone

Explore words related to backbone — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include gumption, linchpin, spinule, spiniferous, sinews, stalwart, glochidium, stalwartness. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for backbone

Common synonyms for backbone include spine, moxie, guts, mainstay, grit, rachis, gutsiness, vertebrae — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.