behind 1 of 4

Definition of behindnext
1
as in back of
at, to, or toward the rear of she preferred to be behind the lead hikers, who were always too much in a rush to enjoy the scenery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order we arrived behind them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

behind

2 of 4

adverb

behind

3 of 4

adjective

behind

4 of 4

noun

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of behind
Preposition
Graves has thrown his support behind Chris Stigall, a national radio host from northern Missouri. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026 For example, while there are many reasons behind new immigration flows, an underlying driver of departures – from Africa and the Middle East in particular – is a lack of opportunity at home and the promise of better opportunities abroad for this burgeoning population. John Rennie Short, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
But in both cases there is something darker underneath the surface, revealing the prejudices and debts the characters couldn’t leave behind in the city. James Folta, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 Law enforcement officials believe she was removed from her Catalina Foothills home later that night against her will as her phone, wallet, car and medication were left behind. Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Like the scrappy bird in their nickname, the tenacious Toronto Blue Jays have clawed their way to 45 come-from-behind victories – most in the major leagues – and 87 overall, tops in the American League with under two weeks left in the 2025 campaign. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
Season-long issues covering matchup-threat tight ends bit them squarely in the behind in the second half, as Buffalo's Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox combined for 81 second-half yards. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026 Any Negative Nancies won't be singing that tune when static cling has their dress suctioned to their behinds during church. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • On Friday, March 27, Tiger Woods allegedly attempted to overtake a turning truck pulling a pressure cleaner at a high rate of speed before clipping the back of the truck with his Land Rover.
    Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Valencia got into the back of a SUV and shut the door behind him.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Just days after floating the idea of using verification to differentiate human and bot accounts, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman on Wednesday announced measures the company will take to execute its plans.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Zehavi believes Iran and the IRGC look down on Hezbollah after its poor performance over the past few years, failing to inflict any significant damage against the IDF, failing to save the regime of Bashar al-Assad, and failing to prevent the damage inflicted against Iran during the 12 Day War.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The employee gave that stack back to Elliott after counting and verifying it.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Another sticking point has been her close alignment with Kennedy, whose efforts to dramatically pull back vaccine recommendations have been slammed by lawmakers and medical groups.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The series, starring Morris Chestnut, was initially held back for another midseason run on Sundays before being summoned to the fall schedule to fill in for the delayed CIA, landing behind FBI on Mondays.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The same happened on Artemis 1, a delayed but ultimately successful uncrewed mission to lunar orbit that flew in late 2022.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The 49,000 square-foot complex houses the 513-seat Baker-Baum Concert Hall, rehearsal rooms, offices, state-of-the-art recording facilities and The JAI, an intimate cabaret venue that serves food and drinks.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Using standard attachments and a payload system that allowed for quick swap-outs, it's been possible to make surprisingly large changes to the spyplane, including adding an extra seat for trainers or missions that require a specialist operator.
    David Szondy March 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025
  • When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Atlanta-area native also went just 8-for-14 from the foul line in his latest homecoming after making 91% of his foul shots over his previous nine games.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Edwards was announced as a starter but was late to the court and replaced in the lineup by Mike Conley.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The snake struck and shook its tail to protect itself, releasing its notorious rattle warning.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
  • An unbothered gray cat eats while resting on a kitchen mat, not having yet noticed the still cucumber behind his tail.
    Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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