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
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.
There’s more to it than just being in the background. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025 The singer did everything from posing in a black bikini under a stunning waterfall, hiking in the jungle, and taking a dip in the pool with the beautiful St. Lucian landscape in the background. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 18 July 2025 In a post shared on July 9, fans in the comments section quickly noticed Thompson in the background. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 17 July 2025 Doute’s behavior on Vanderpump Rules — from sleeping with her best friend’s boyfriend (Jax) while Drive played in the background to punching James Kennedy at Scheana’s wedding — was so explosive that the United Nations should have stepped in to classify her as a weapon of mass destruction. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for in the background

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Cite this Entry

“In the background.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20background. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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