1
as in backdrop
the physical conditions or features that form the setting against which something is viewed they got married on a mountain top with the sunset as background

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2
as in setting
the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the background of that movie is the World War II era

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How is the word background distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of background are environment, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

Where would environment be a reasonable alternative to background?

While the synonyms environment and background are close in meaning, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When is it sensible to use milieu instead of background?

The synonyms milieu and background are sometimes interchangeable, but milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of background?

Although the words mise-en-scène and background have much in common, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could setting be used to replace background?

The meanings of setting and background largely overlap; however, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

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 background That attracts me because of my own marginalized background. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 The increase in diversity in TV staffing coincided with a sharp drop in employment, such that fewer writers of all racial backgrounds were actually working in 2023-24. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 May 2025 The Blackhawks like Blashill’s development background. Scott Powers, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The new pope's background and early remarks since his election, plus the significance as the first U.S.-born pope, is readjusting an earlier calculus for future change and any ensuing conflict. Liam Adams, USA Today, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
Noun
  • The opening comes against the backdrop of Trump’s tariffs, which potentially threatens Pandora’s vibrancy in the U.S. market.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Knopf, July 8 Image Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart Vera, a precocious half-Jewish, half-Korean 10-year-old, narrates this complex family drama set against the backdrop of a dystopian near-future America.
    Laura Thompson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Vehicle-specific performance fixtures like suspension settings and driving modes will now be adjusted through CarPlay.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • The Museum of Islamic Art will present an intimate setting for short film screenings.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • There was the milestone scene where Jack kissed Ethan (Adam Kaufman) in what was primetime television's first gay male kiss.
    Breanne L. Heldman, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • There’s never a false note from the young actors, all of whom have deeply moving scenes.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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