invertebrates

noun

plural of invertebrate
as in vertebrates

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invertebrates
  1. vertebrates
  2. herbivores
  3. carnivores
Noun
  • Biologists hotly debate whether the significant evolutionary changes that led to jawed vertebrates, from hagfish to humans, are connected by ancient gene duplications hundreds of millions of years ago.
    — Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Although people sometimes use animals informally to mean only vertebrates (animals with backbones) or even just mammals, in biology the term includes insects as well.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of vertebrates
Noun
  • The same process occurs in the radish’s spicier cousins, and the resulting chemicals are thought to help deter herbivores and pests.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But Carcache wonders whether the vine might also deter herbivores, offering some protection to its host.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of herbivores
Noun
  • Grain-free Cats are carnivores and don’t need grains in their diets.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Native Asters Some fireflies are carnivores, but most are pollinators that feed on the nectar and pollen of native plants.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
Definition of carnivores
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.

Browse Nearby Words

invertebrate
invertebrates
inverted
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Cite this Entry

“Invertebrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invertebrates. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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