BACKGROUND Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'background' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of background are environment , milieu , mise-en-scène , and setting . While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development. // the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

Q: Where would 'environment' be a reasonable alternative to 'background'?

While the synonyms environment and background are close in meaning, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development. // the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

Q: When is it sensible to use 'milieu' instead of 'background'?

The synonyms milieu and background are sometimes interchangeable, but milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons. // an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Q: In what contexts can 'mise-en-scène' take the place of 'background'?

Although the words mise-en-scène and background have much in common, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect. // a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

Q: When could 'setting' be used to replace 'background'?

The meanings of setting and background largely overlap; however, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms. // a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

background

noun

ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd

Definition of background next

as in backdrop

the physical conditions or features that form the setting against which something is viewed they got married on a mountain top with the sunset as background

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as in setting

the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the background of that movie is the World War II era

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word background distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of background are environment, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

Where would environment be a reasonable alternative to background?

While the synonyms environment and background are close in meaning, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When is it sensible to use milieu instead of background?

The synonyms milieu and background are sometimes interchangeable, but milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of background?

Although the words mise-en-scène and background have much in common, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could setting be used to replace background?

The meanings of setting and background largely overlap; however, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of background Thanks to her background in social work and hospitality, Casagrande is skilled at communicating with clients and craftspeople, ensuring a pleasant design experience. —

Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026 Volunteers then conduct extensive background checks, ask if the person is willing to work and check for substance abuse history. —

Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026 Airplay 2, Chromecast and Miracast are waiting in the background for screen sharing, and voice search is available too. —

New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026 These attorneys are often bilingual and culturally competent, giving them a better understanding of their clients’ backgrounds than a general practice attorney. —

Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone february 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for background

Recent Examples of Synonyms for background

Noun

The ballroom made for a fitting backdrop, with its antique brass chandeliers and faded floral frescoes.

— Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Against this pastoral backdrop, Bad Bunny stood looking modern and fly, in a boxy white shirt patterned like an NFL jersey.

— Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026

Definition of backdrop

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backfiring

background

backgrounds

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“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of background

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