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Showing results for behind-the-scenes. Search instead for being-the-and-up.
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.

It was no longer a matter for the civil servants behind the scenes it was now a priority for their political masters.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 27, 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

Iranians knew little about Khamenei before his elevation except that he was close to his father and that he played a role behind the scenes in the supreme leader’s powerful office.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Although Charles continued to direct the battle for evolution behind the scenes and work on new books for his publisher, what gave him the most pleasure was doing experiments with his orchids and other plants.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

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