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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.

While Iran hasn’t confirmed that it will attend any talks, negotiations have continued External link behind the scenes.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Earle told the outlet, “That was, behind the scenes, a little bit of a hot mess.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

While Sun remained World Liberty’s best-known investor throughout most of 2025, his profile within the company had fallen behind the scenes in favor of newer, deeper-pocketed allies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

But more happened behind the scenes, like the meeting that helped persuade Barr to hold the line.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Even if they didn’t find an answer to Mr. Griswold’s Gold-Bug puzzle, now that she was here, she craved just a peek behind the scenes where Book Scavenger was created.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman