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 Markovic corrected himself, taking back the goal, the cameras cut to the Panthers' head coach Paul Maurice, who was visibly perplexed at the scenario as Devils fans cheered in the background.
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Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Shedeur Sanders is the guy in the background for the first time.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The photo showed a screenshot from a video call with one of Taylor's staffers, with a swastika American flag in the background.
—Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Porter said after the employee appeared in the background.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the background
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Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Shedeur Sanders is the guy in the background for the first time.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The photo showed a screenshot from a video call with one of Taylor's staffers, with a swastika American flag in the background.
—Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Porter said after the employee appeared in the background.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2025.
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