vertebrate

noun

Definition of vertebratenext
as in animal
biology an animal that has a backbone

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vertebrate Others, including Erin Maxwell, an expert on Early Jurassic marine vertebrates at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, disagree. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Erin Maxwell, an expert in Early Jurassic marine vertebrates at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, Germany, lamented the sale as a loss to the UK. — News Desk, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026 In humans and other vertebrates, aging hearts typically accumulate scar-like collagen deposits called fibrosis. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Like Jimothy, Cooper has short spine syndrome, a rare congenital condition in which an animal's vertebrate doesn't develop into bone during fetal development. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vertebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertebrate
  1. animal
  2. creature
  3. critter
Noun
  • That contact was evident during the AP’s trip aboard the F/V Progress, when Tanner crabs and basket stars — animals that live on the seafloor — came up in the net.
    — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Rich brown leather is a great way to break up a cool denim-on-denim look, while a pop of animal print goes perfectly with a pair of brown denim shorts.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • Meanwhile, second-unit director Peter Ramsey worked alongside stunt performers, with some creature interactions achieved through surprisingly simple physical stand-ins.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Duffield also watched video of an autopsy of a large squid to figure out how to approach his lead character’s encounter with a similar creature in the early stages of his nightmare.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • All are adorned with jewels and tails made of real horsehair, many of which have been eaten by squirrels or other critters.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Fall is here, which means that outdoor critters will inevitably try to find their way into our homes.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of critter

Browse Nearby Words

vertebral columns
vertebrate
vertebrates
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Cite this Entry

“Vertebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertebrate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vertebrate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vertebrate

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