background

noun

ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd How to pronounce background (audio)
Definition of backgroundnext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonym Chooser

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 Below are backgrounds and tasting notes on the seven contenders for the coveted Scotch Whisky Trophy. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Uber said Soliman met all requirements to drive for the company, which include passing a criminal and driving history background check, holding a valid Social Security number and providing a photo ID. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025 Donna Klein caters to students from diverse Jewish backgrounds, including Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and non-observant families. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025 As far as talking to fellow background, it’s allowed. —Jon Hart, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
  1. backdrop
  2. setting
  3. scene
Noun
  • The Cassini-Huygens mission photographed Io against the backdrop of Jupiter in 2001.
    — Robin Andrews, Wired News, 15 June 2025
  • Protesters have embraced the flag as a symbol of cultural pride and a repudiation of anti-immigrant policies against the backdrop of National Guard and Marines deployed to the city by President Donald Trump.
    — Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 15 June 2025
Definition of backdrop
Noun
  • The Italian Ferretti Group was the setting for a spy-vs-spy scenario that reportedly included private detectives shadowing an executive of the Italian builder’s primary Chinese investor and recording devices hidden in several offices, according to Bloomberg.
    — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 9 June 2025
  • Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 7 June 2025
Definition of setting
Noun
  • Miami-Dade Fire Rescue pronounced the driver, who was not identified, dead at the scene.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Ruck, for one, isn't surprised that fans were able to narrow down when the scene was shot.
    — Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of scene

Browse Nearby Words

backfiring
background
backgrounds
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Cite this Entry

“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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