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Definitions

behind-the-scenes

[bih-hahynd thuh seenz] / bɪˈhaɪnd ðə ˈsinz /
ADJECTIVE
in the background
Synonyms
WEAK
backstage behind the curtain in a corner in secret in the dark out of public view sub-rosa
ADJECTIVE
secret
Synonyms
WEAK
backstage behind the curtain in a corner in the background in the dark sub-rosa under-the-table
behind the scenes
ADJECTIVE
private
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confidential exclusive independent individual secret separate special
STRONG
closet inside particular privy
WEAK
clandestine close to one's chest discreet hush-hush hushed nonpublic not open off the record own reserved under one's hat unofficial
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common known public
WEAK
open revealed sociable unconcealed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Comments that RM made in December live stream could hint at some troubles behind the scenes at Hybe.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

The podcast will continue - with a new generation at the mic - as they move behind the scenes, shaping the future of the show they built.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

The agency reportedly acceded to the New Jersey District Court’s appointment of Robert Frazer, a longtime prosecutor, following negotiations behind the scenes.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2026

Valentina Vee, 33, a director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, posted a thread on X speculating on the show’s lighting setup based on scrutiny of images she could find online from behind the scenes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Preferring the less glorious and supposedly less influential position of cihuacoatl, head of internal affairs, he ruled from behind the scenes, dominating the Alliance for more than fifty years and utterly reengineering Mexica society.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.