behind 1 of 4

Definition of behindnext
1
as in back of
at, to, or toward the rear of she preferred to be behind the lead hikers, who were always too much in a rush to enjoy the scenery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order we arrived behind them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

behind

2 of 4

adverb

behind

3 of 4

adjective

behind

4 of 4

noun

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 behind
Preposition
Codifying the exemption puts more weight behind the registration process and ensures its implementation for years to come. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026 While Francis was also the architect behind her recent appearance at the Directors Guild Awards, Hudson partnered with Peter Gray for the Golden Globes in January. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
Dryer Sheets Taste Soapy Dryer sheets can leave a soapy flavor behind in your microwave. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026 Angelina Jolie is grateful for the scars left behind by her double mastectomy. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Like the scrappy bird in their nickname, the tenacious Toronto Blue Jays have clawed their way to 45 come-from-behind victories – most in the major leagues – and 87 overall, tops in the American League with under two weeks left in the 2025 campaign. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
And the Carolina Panthers (4-4) and the Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) each pulled off nail-biting fourth-quarter come-from-behind wins against the Dolphins in wins the defense gift-wrapped its opponents. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 But Minnesota managed to escape Wednesday’s opener with a come-from-behind, 118-114 victory. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • Ashlyn, who will show off the back of her Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund and Emerging Designer Award wins; and Daniella Kallmeyer, who was nominated for the CFDA’s American Womenswear Designer of the Year.
    Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Some of Southwest’s A-listers openly raged on platforms such as X, with many complaints focused on those passengers being forced to place carry-on bags in compartments way to the back of the plane, a different experience from the prior boarding regime.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Preposition
  • His execution comes about a month after an emotional clemency hearing during which a parole board deciding his fate heard from the victims' families, a survivor of the shooting, and Simpson himself.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Baseball owners, with Dick Monfort playing a prominent role as a hawk in labor negotiations, are expected to lock out the players after this season, seeking a salary cap, believing that is the only reason the Dodgers win.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • During the penalty phase, jurors also heard from a man named Hung Pham whom Simpson had beaten and shot in the face during a home invasion back in New Orleans.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • In his quest to become a better, stronger, more accomplished pitcher, Rockies Renaissance man Ryan Feltner is going back to the Stone Age.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The delayed and low-key nature of that April news conference would make for a stark contrast with the unveiling of another round of immigration legislation just 10 months later.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Residents report the actual death toll exceeds 162, with villages devastated and survivors fleeing as government security forces faced criticism for delayed response.
    Pelumi Salako, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Before sunrise, dozens of people were in line outside the court building to secure a seat in the courtroom.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • One of the city’s star attractions is the huge 25,000-seat Great Theater, used for theatrical performances, public assemblies, religious ceremonies and, in the Roman era, gladiatorial battles.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025
  • When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Other witnesses include Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who agreed to give depositions in late February.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • From late 2018 to the end of 2020, Coppermark filed approximately 300 complaints.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Langmuir showed that the molecules oriented themselves in a consistent way, looking like little tadpoles with the hydrophilic head, the end that likes water, toward the water, and the hydrophobic tail, the end that dislikes water, sticking up into the air.
    Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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