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
His Chevy was one of three vintage American automobiles that US diplomats selected to be in the background for the flag raising ceremony at the US Embassy in Havana that marked the official restoration of ties between the two countries following decades of bitter animosity.
—
Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family.
—Bob Thomas The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Another video posted to TikTok on Sunday appears to show a large group of minors exiting the Chipotle at Birkdale Village as music plays in the background.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Leonard lurked in the background of the All-Star hubbub, leaving his noise on the court as the only routine Ingram could watch.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in the background
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Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family.
—Bob Thomas The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Another video posted to TikTok on Sunday appears to show a large group of minors exiting the Chipotle at Birkdale Village as music plays in the background.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Leonard lurked in the background of the All-Star hubbub, leaving his noise on the court as the only routine Ingram could watch.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
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 20 Feb. 2026.
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