Synonyms of background

background

noun

ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd 

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

• backdrop
• scene
• scenery
• ground
• stage
• environment
• setting
• set
• surroundings
• milieu
• mise-en-scène
• entourage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• center
• foreground
• heart
• focus
• focal point

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

• setting
• scene
• backdrop
• set
• locale
• scenery
• tableau
• mise-en-scène

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

Recent Examples of background

Revealing a whopping 780,000+ galaxies, some would inevitably be co-aligned with background objects. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 6 Oct. 2025

The animation combines stylized character design with photorealistic backgrounds, creating a world that feels both heightened and lived in. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025

Some of the concerns are less about her background in opinion and commentary and more of her lack of experience in broadcast network TV, where CBS News remains one of the largest global news organizations. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025

The background story Tesla has previously delayed the launch of its lower-cost version of the Model Y in the United States. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025