1
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character
a spineless man who let his wife make all the decisions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cowardly
having or showing a shameful lack of courage
spineless seamen who trembled at the first roar of the cannon
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spineless
Even some spineless Republicans in Congress—who should be carrying President Trump's flag—are trembling instead of cheering his fight for America's soul.
—
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Trump and his spineless acolytes continue to lie to the American people.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
Make no mistake: New York's seniors are paying the price for Lawler's weak and spineless leadership.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Duplass’ Michael is a dud, sorta sweet but totally spineless.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Trump and his spineless acolytes continue to lie to the American people.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
Make no mistake: New York's seniors are paying the price for Lawler's weak and spineless leadership.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Duplass’ Michael is a dud, sorta sweet but totally spineless.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spineless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spineless
Adjective
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Neurologists worried that the urban environment, factory work and office jobs, and other modern pressures were making men tired, indecisive, and physically weak.—
Time,
Time,
3 June 2025
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Global Blue's weak February European shopper data released on March 5 did indeed work as a catalyst.—
Ganesh Rao,
CNBC,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Those who resort to violence to undermine our state and nation must be held accountable, and our state leaders must reinforce through decisive action that these cowardly attacks will not be tolerated.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
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The cowardly capitulation of Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps are negative examples to be learned from.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Two baseballs flew down toward the San Diego Padres’ Jurickson Profar from the left-field corner stands, the gutless moves of two cowards.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Oct. 2024
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And the really jaw-dropping part of AMLO’s gutless abdication?—
Tim Padgett,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Aug. 2024
Adjective
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Their texture is soft and literally melts in your mouth.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
2 June 2025
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The interior of my bZ Limited was comfortable, trimmed in appealing soft materials and roomy.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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On the experimental end, the label isn’t afraid to push boundaries, as evidenced by Magnificent Little Dudes, a captivating collaboration between Japanese ambient artist Chihei Hatakeyama and jazz drummer Shun Ishiwaka.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Your soul craves experiences that deepen your understanding of the world; don’t be afraid to indulge in it.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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To abet Trump’s fake reality, the craven House Republicans refused to put up a plaque honoring the police officers and others who defended the Capitol that awful day.—
Maureen Dowd,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
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This year’s retreat from DEI policies is merely a continuation of that craven approach.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Some also have lost lawyers, dismayed by the pusillanimous behavior of their leaders.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
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The second believed the United States could attain comprehensive security through military-technological means and saw diplomacy as a quixotic or pusillanimous enterprise that dishonored and weakened the country.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Horses are naturally skittish animals that can easily become frightened and bolt.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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Footage from the immediate aftermath captured mothers and fathers clutching children on their hips, running through the mist of water dousing the flames, while frightened dogs scrambled alongside them.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spineless. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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