in the background
idiom
: in a position that avoids attracting attention
He was a shy man who always tried to keep/stay in the background.
Examples of in the background in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As a blaring techno beat rises in the background, the two passionately go at it.
—
James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
After the event, Williams shared a video of herself walking to the elevator in her hotel on her way to the event, and the cotton decor can be seen in the background.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Authorities were also called after viewers of the couple’s Instagram Live stream observed children in the background of the broadcast.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The difference is slightly more noticeable with details in the background of an image than with details in the foreground, as visible in the Lego castle surrounding Lego Mario.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
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James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
After the event, Williams shared a video of herself walking to the elevator in her hotel on her way to the event, and the cotton decor can be seen in the background.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Authorities were also called after viewers of the couple’s Instagram Live stream observed children in the background of the broadcast.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The difference is slightly more noticeable with details in the background of an image than with details in the foreground, as visible in the Lego castle surrounding Lego Mario.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the background
Cite this Entry
“In the background.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20background. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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