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hushed in chambers in privacy in private in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped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

“There’s a lot more happening in the background that is targeting and squeezing each consumer’s willingness to pay.”

From Salon • May 18, 2026

The video, which was obtained in October by Politico, showed Porter erupting at a staff member who appeared in the background of a prerecorded Zoom call between the former congresswoman and then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

When adults appear in the background, intruding in the hackers’ bedrooms, they deflate the mood with their insensitivity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

His party Pheu Thai's insistence that from now on he will remain in the background could not stop feverish media speculation over what role he might still play in Thai politics.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

I’ll never again snuggle into Lita, rub the soft underside of her arm, and listen to one of her cuentos while her chickens cluck in the background.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

in the background

Example Sentences

Related Words