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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.

We also don’t know everything that happened behind the scenes.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

Despite the daily pressures of their job, they welcomed me into their patrol cars and behind the scenes in the police station.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Cook’s scheduled successor, Ternus, has spent decades at Apple and helped lead its unprecedented run largely behind the scenes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

At the same time, another kind of interpretation was taking shape behind the scenes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Being in the pulpit was like being in the theatre; I was behind the scenes and knew how the illusion was worked.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin