behind the scenes
1 of 2phrase
1
: out of public view
also
: in secret
2
: in a position to see the hidden workings
… taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government … has operated …—
William Clark
William Clark
be·hind-the-scenes
bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz 
bē-
1
: being or working out of public view or in secret
behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money
a behind-the-scenes player
2
: revealing or reporting the hidden workings
a behind-the-scenes account
a behind-the-scenes glimpse
Examples of behind the scenes in a Sentence
Adjective
a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination
behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed
Recent Examples on the Web
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Redd, especially, has become one of the team’s foremost culture-setters and behind-the-scenes leaders, a proverbial glue guy who doesn’t often show up in box scores but always shows up in practices or meetings.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Although Succession ended three years ago, Brian Cox is mitigating some behind-the-scenes Roy family drama.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
With Vista Explore, residents may enjoy everything from trips abroad to behind-the-scenes local experiences.
—Vi At Aventura, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
An uncertain future Though the bills were introduced last year, neither got much public debate due to behind-the-scenes discussions.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Redd, especially, has become one of the team’s foremost culture-setters and behind-the-scenes leaders, a proverbial glue guy who doesn’t often show up in box scores but always shows up in practices or meetings.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Although Succession ended three years ago, Brian Cox is mitigating some behind-the-scenes Roy family drama.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
With Vista Explore, residents may enjoy everything from trips abroad to behind-the-scenes local experiences.
—Vi At Aventura, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
Cite this Entry
“Behind the scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behind%20the%20scenes. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
