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 Group buying platforms were often praised by the public for giving people without a technical background opportunities to participate in the digital economy. —Zeyi Yang, Wired News, 21 July 2025 The character was a literature professor from a working class background. —Keyaira Boone, Essence, 21 July 2025 With a background in social work, Kane seeks to create a more inclusive and accessible arts environment for all members of the Phoenix community. —Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025 The background puts Rimowa’s statement pieces front and center, including special archive cases that came through Ellis Island. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
  1. backdrop
  2. setting
  3. scene
Noun
  • Keep your eyes peeled—and binoculars handy—for goat-like chamois, bearded vultures, and beavers against the stunning backdrop of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and the steep Justistal Valley below.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
  • The results fall against a troubling backdrop for the luxury sector, as U.S. tariffs loom large, threatening to undermine an anticipated revival in U.S. consumer spending, even as the Chinese market continues to lag.
    — Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 July 2025
Definition of backdrop
Noun
  • Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings.
    — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • After serving the area for 60 years, High Noon Resort recently underwent a major renovation to maintain its idyllic setting.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
Definition of setting
Noun
  • Family members still have questions about charges related to Colton's death The driver who fled the scene was later identified by investigators as Scott Botcher, the village manager for Fox Point.
    — Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • First responders found Bernhardt in the road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 23 July 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 30 Jul. 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

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

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

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

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

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
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 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
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All