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
According to unofficial reporting from the Georgia Secretary of State's Office, Jones remains behind Jackson by around nine points. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 16 June 2026 That’s enough to put it just above Microsoft for fourth place on the list of most valuable companies on the stock market, behind only Apple, Google and Nvidia. David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Adverb
Despite its massive spending, Meta has fallen behind on the race and media reports have focused on the challenges Zuckerberg and his team now face. John Kell, Fortune, 17 June 2026 The tornado in Jefferson County left behind snapped tree limbs and uprooted trees, NWS said. Finch Walker, USA Today, 17 June 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
Right-hander Jordan Romano couldn’t get another out, and the Angels had to watch the Yankees celebrate a come-from-behind, walk-off win for the second time in the series. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 Suarez lashed seven shots towards goal on his debut against Casa Pia, going closest after a stomping run in-behind the defence and a sharp shot into the side netting. Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • But after Lionel Messi got the first legal ball into the back of the net, energy north of the river has remained high.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • The 20-yard screamer deflected off keeper Luca Zidane’s fingertips and bulged the back of the net.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Preposition
  • Armas expressed wanting to get more minutes for her after the Current’s last run of matches before the World Cup break.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
  • The week, however, was not without controversy for the South Korean team, as the squad barred press from their home country after audio of media criticizing the mandatory military service exemption granted to Son was leaked.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Adverb
  • So far, Lan has paid back about $455,000, and the Ho Chi Minh City Judgment Enforcement Agency is still actively processing assets related to Lan for damage compensation, Nguyen told CNN.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
  • Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie will be back at the box office this weekend, delivering what could be the biggest film debut of the year.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The impact is already being felt across various regions, from a delayed start to the Indian monsoon to a temporary halt to Peru’s fishing season.
    Bloomberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026
  • That meant a delayed return to full activities.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Davidson is more steeped in Democratic politics, including working for years as a political consultant and winning a county legislature seat in 2023.
    Chris McKenna, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • While other host cities have dealt with headlines about empty seats during the 2026 World Cup, KC’s stadium has been jam-packed for both of its tournament games so far.
    Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 21 June 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
  • Women, who make up more than half (55%) of Social Security recipients ages 62 and up, on average collect $5,254 less annually than men, according to a FinanceBuzz analysis of the government's latest data.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • These figures mark a clear increase from depressed crossing rates seen during much of the Iran war since its start in late February.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Zendaya wore an ensemble from one of her favorite brands, Louis Vuitton, stepping out in a bold-shoulder military jacket complete with tails.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 18 June 2026
  • The fuselage came to rest across a concrete barrier, while its tail broke off and fell to a lower section of roadway.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on behind

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster