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

Relevance

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 Published Wednesday, the report surveyed more than 4,000 U.S. residents from different backgrounds and political persuasions. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2025 Cobb is a former ROH Television Champion and represented Guam in amateur wrestling at the 2004 Summer Olympics, showcasing his diverse background in combat sports. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 It was envisioned as a catalyst for world peace by connecting people from different cultural backgrounds. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025 The president is out there dismantling the Atlantic security alliance against Russia that at least half of the GOP's Senate caucus spent their careers loudly supporting—and without much more pushback than some grumbling on background with reporters. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
  1. backdrop
  2. setting
  3. scene
Noun
  • At the same time, Tujunga locals — who relish their relative isolation living against the rugged backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains — say they are tormented by the noise, vibrations and dust caused by the hauling trucks, which traverse along homes in this semirural area.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Against that backdrop, there was no chance of Saturday passing off quietly and by the time extra-time ended, Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Vasquez and Jude Bellingham had all been sent off.
    — Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of backdrop
Noun
  • Photographers, videographers and designers can boost their productivity by using a combination of the keypad and dial pad to turbocharge controls and settings in their favorite software.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • For teenagers using unsupervised phones, the feature is enabled but can be disabled in the Messages settings.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of setting
Noun
  • And while some have dubbed the rescue a real-life Baywatch moment, there are other ways the Traitors season 3 star knows how to make a scene.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This is a post about a scene that’s somehow even sillier.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of scene

Browse Nearby Words

backfiring
background
backgrounds
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on background

Nglish: Translation of background for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All