SINCE 1828

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behind-the-scenes

adjective

Definition of behind-the-scenes

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

See behind-the-scenes defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of behind-the-scenes

1850

behind-the-scenes Synonyms

Synonyms

behind-the-scenes, confidential, esoteric, hushed, hush-hush, inside, intimate, nonpublic, privy, secret

Antonyms

common, open, public

Related Words

classified, restricted, top secret; silent, unadvertised, unannounced, undisclosed, unmentioned, unsaid, untold; clandestine, closet, collusive, conspiratorial, covert; furtive, hugger-mugger, occult, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded; personal; closeted, concealed, hidden; repressed, silenced, stifled, suppressed; backstage, offscreen, offstage

Near Antonyms

well-known; advertised, aired, announced, blazed, broadcast, declared, disclosed, divulged, enunciated, heralded, proclaimed, professed, promulgated, publicized, published, reported, spotlighted; general, popular, prevailing, vulgar; current, prevalent, rife, widespread; communal, shared

BEHIND-THE-SCENES Defined for English Language Learners

behind-the-scenes

adjective

Definition of behind-the-scenes for English Language Learners

: working or happening privately without being known or seen by the public
: revealing or reporting on things that usually happen privately without being known or seen by the public

Learn More about behind-the-scenes

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for behind-the-scenes

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up behind-the-scenes? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

anathematize

play

to curse or denounce

BROWSE DICTIONARY

behind someone's back

behind the curve

behind-the-scenes

behind the times

behind the wheel

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