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
City is five points behind Arsenal. ABC News, 19 May 2026 His most recent stint behind bars came after a 2020 arrest for his third DUI. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 19 May 2026
Adverb
Meanwhile, the splash feature of cooler gas may trace a wake of material left behind after the smaller cluster made a second pass through Abell 2029, the study suggests. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 20 May 2026 Boeing didn’t want to get left behind as orders for the neo surged, and didn’t want to take the time to design a whole new aircraft from scratch. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 20 May 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
Buffalo entered Saturday with 19 come-from-behind wins, tied for seventh in the NHL. ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026 The Kansas City Current’s feel-good, come-from-behind home victory to open the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season feels like ages ago. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • Stolen cooking oil was found in the back of the truck after the chase.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 May 2026
  • To be sure, Oppenheimer said the market rally on the back of these sectors is highly concentrated, with telecommunication, media and technology accounts for 85% of the S & P 500 ’s return this year.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Preposition
  • The proximity to the city centre, stands named after heroes, the feeling of the club being a big deal in a city centre that does need that gravitas.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • But after leaping and stretching his torso over the top of the wall, the ball fell just out of his reach.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
Adverb
  • This did happen one morning and the camp staff of 8 jumped in and collectively replaced the pipework and got the water back on within 30 minutes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2025, the Lone Star tick’s geographic spread extended all along the Eastern Seaboard, from Florida through central Texas in the south, up to the lower reaches of South Dakota and back across to Maine.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Other misconceptions have led to frustration and fear and delayed diagnosis.
    Michelle Seguin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 May 2026
  • The combination of the chiming, delayed guitar, twiddly ‘80s synths, weird time signatures and Fish’s unique lyrics and vocal delivery all added up to a very intriguing listen.
    Liza Lentini, SPIN, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Like any good host, Twain kept us on the edge of our seats with multiple wardrobe changes as the show went on, ditching the bangs for a classic curly look.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
  • In an effort to sway Altman, Musk's team invited him for a tour of a Tesla factory and promised him a board seat at Tesla.
    Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 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
  • Iran, which says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, was said to have included some nuclear concessions in its latest proposal to end the war.
    Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • The Federal Aviation Administration’s latest plan to get the air traffic control workforce on better footing makes some important advances.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • These gentle giants used the surface area of their long necks and tails to shed heat and regulate their body temperature.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2026
  • Various engineers seeking superior grip performance have employed biomimicry in their designs, which have been inspired by seed pods, elephant trunks, lobster tails (in fact, using actual lobster tails), and, of course, octopus limbs.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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