in the background

ADJECTIVE

behind-the-scenes

Synonyms

WEAK

backstage behind the curtain in a corner in the dark sub-rosa under-the-table

ADJECTIVE

distant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

far far-flung far-off inaccessible isolated obscure remote removed secluded

WEAK

a piece abroad abstracted apart arm's length asunder away backwoods beyond range far back farther further in the boonies in the distance in the sticks indirect middle of nowhere not home out of earshot out of range out of reach out-of-the-way outlying retired secret separate sequestered telescopic unapproachable ways wide of yonder

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approachable mingling public

WEAK

adjacent close friendly kind near nearby neighboring sympathetic warm

ADJECTIVE

secretive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

covert enigmatic reticent taciturn

WEAK

backstairs buttoned-up cagey clammed up close close-mouthed cryptic feline furtive hushed in chambers in privacy in private in the dark on the Q.T. reserved silent tight-lipped undercover unforthcoming withdrawn zipped

Antonyms

STRONGEST

communicative

WEAK

forthright honest open

ADVERB

behind

Synonyms

STRONG

trailing

WEAK

abaft after afterwards at the heels of at the rear of back of bringing up the rear eating the dust in the wake later than next off the pace subsequently

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ahead before in front

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And inspiration is easy to find in this piece of North America’s so-called “Galapagos,” where the Pacific sparkles in the background of any burn scar.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

During one particularly active stretch last weekend, one post showed Trump riding horseback beside George Washington, next to a race car, with the White House in the background.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

She scored it with her sisters singing in the background as if being piped in from another dimension.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Footage from state media showed paramedics carrying stretchers at the site, with ambulances in the background.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

I felt like I was listening to a recording of her, with a faint static humming in the background.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

in the background

Example Sentences

Related Words