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Definitions

behind

[bih-hahynd] / bɪˈhaɪnd /
ADVERB
in a position further back; following
Synonyms
STRONG
trailing
WEAK
abaft after afterwards at the heels of at the rear of back of bringing up the rear eating the dust in the background in the wake later than next off the pace subsequently
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ahead before in front
ADVERB
in debt; late
Synonyms
STRONG
in debt late slow
WEAK
backward behind schedule behind time behindhand belated delayed dilatory have to play catch up in arrears overdue sluggish tardy
Antonyms
STRONG
paid paid up
NOUN
buttocks
Synonyms
STRONG
backside bottom breech bum can fanny fundament posterior rear rump seat tail tush
WEAK
derriere
PREPOSITION
being the reason for
Synonyms
STRONG
causing
WEAK
at the bottom of concerning the circumstances initiating instigating responsible for
PREPOSITION
in support
Synonyms
STRONG
backing supporting
WEAK
for in agreement on the side of

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.

When he returned to the U.S. after eight years abroad, he remarked, “Europeans are 20 years behind the times, but working damned hard three days a week to catch up.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Watching how her mom and her dad work together and how we’re a team, and how her dad supports me and uplifts me and is the man behind the curtain making it all happen.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Another resident, also speaking anonymously, claimed a drone had been put up as part of a "skilled operation" by those behind the work to catch people spying.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Kelly looked a little ill at ease to be out from behind the desk where she records her daily political commentary program, The Megyn Kelly Show.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

“You look like you could use some water,” Nate says from behind me, making me startle.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam