behind the scenes

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of behind the scenesnext
1
: out of public view
also : in secret
2
: in a position to see the hidden workings
… taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government … has operated …William Clark

behind-the-scenes

2 of 2

adjective

be·​hind-the-scenes bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz How to pronounce behind-the-scenes (audio)
bē-
1
: being or working out of public view or in secret
behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money
a behind-the-scenes player
2
: revealing or reporting the hidden workings
a behind-the-scenes account
a behind-the-scenes glimpse

Synonyms of behind the scenes

Examples of behind the scenes in a Sentence

Adjective a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Shifting gears, most behind-the-scenes photos include a still of the director pointing at something in the distance. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 Lisa Kudrow, who starred alongside Burrows on The Comeback, shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the two of them from the recent third and final season of the HBO series. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 June 2026 Viewers often also get insider tips and behind-the-scenes secrets to implement on their next flight. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 Over its 11 seasons on the air, Burrows directed 237 of its 275 episodes, emerging as a behind-the-scenes comedy legend. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of behind the scenes was in 1685

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Cite this Entry

“Behind the scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behind%20the%20scenes. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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