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

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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

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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 Viewers can see pink furniture in the back of what looks like a warehouse, and many Swifties are pointing out the Exit sign in the background, as this has become a theme in promo leading up to release. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025 Many GMs and team presidents possess scouting backgrounds. Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 For all their differences in background, temperament, and approaches to art, Matisse and Picasso both venerated Cézanne, Delacroix, Manet, and van Gogh. Christopher C. Gorham september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 With a background at the Studio Museum in Harlem and galleries including Alexander Gray Associates and Gavin Brown’s enterprise, McMillan brought both curatorial expertise and a deep belief in the power of community. Okla Jones, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
Noun
  • Turning Point is an American conservative organization with chapters at over 2,000 colleges nationwide and has received a flood of support and requests for new chapters in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, amid the backdrop of rising fears of political violence in the USA.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And these high school students, Anya and Sofia, have grown up with the backdrop of war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That highlights the need for all road users to be prepared for different scenarios in unfamiliar settings.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The viral TikTok video shows Lukman getting ready for work inside her pod, which is housed in a warehouse-style setting where each unit appears to contain only enough space for a mattress.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Allen’s title character asks her mother in the play’s second scene.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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