Showing results for in the background. Search instead for exceptional background.

in the background

Part of Speech:

All (4) Adjective (3) Adverb (1)

Jump To:

behind-the-scenes adj.
distant adj.
secretive adj.
behind adv.

ADJECTIVE

behind-the-scenes

Synonyms

WEAK

backstage behind the curtain in a corner in the dark sub-rosa under-the-table

ADJECTIVE

distant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

far far-flung far-off inaccessible isolated obscure remote removed secluded

WEAK

a piece abroad abstracted apart arm's length asunder away backwoods beyond range far back farther further in the boonies in the distance in the sticks indirect middle of nowhere not home out of earshot out of range out of reach out-of-the-way outlying retired secret separate sequestered telescopic unapproachable ways wide of yonder

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approachable mingling public

WEAK

adjacent close friendly kind near nearby neighboring sympathetic warm

ADJECTIVE

secretive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

covert enigmatic reticent taciturn

WEAK

backstairs buttoned-up cagey clammed up close close-mouthed cryptic feline furtive hushed in chambers in privacy in private in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped

Antonyms

STRONGEST

communicative

WEAK

forthright honest open

ADVERB

behind

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 wake later than next off the pace subsequently

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ahead before in front

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.

See Examples For:

in the background

Concerns about Federal Reserve independence and the likely return on massive artificial-intelligence investments are lingering in the background.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026

While the show doesn’t confront it directly, Simpson also said the “specter of AIDS” lurks in the background for the teens who “think they’re invincible.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

A senior Pakistani security official also told Reuters news agency: "A lot is happening in the background... We are talking to both sides."

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

They calmly watch a huge column of smoke rise in the background, casting an orange glow across the sky.

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

Our seats were three rows from the front, and I scanned the audience, only noticing a few familiar faces, the Queen of Neat theme song playing quietly in the background.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

in the background

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words