in the background

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hushed in chambers in privacy in private in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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.

His sons Eric and Don Jr., who run his family business and manage the trust that collects his money, were standing in the background.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

At least in the background, Coffin reminds us that women also worked behind the scenes from the beginning.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

The £943 library ladder is visible in the background.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

“Ow,” Ayden yelped, cartoons playing in the background.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

The pillars in the background are made of wood; those in the foreground of brick and marble, symbolizing the progress of astronomy.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

in the background

Example Sentences

Related Words