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 Cue the regal quilted Flora floor-length dress with a high collar and zipped up in the front or, in a stunning dark version for La Contessa, the floral pattern is rendered on a black background and has leg-of-lamb sleeves. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025 Before an Uber driver accepts a ride, the driver has limited visibility about the rider’s background and risk factors — only seeing if the rider has verified their identity. Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025 The duo kept their program running in the background for over a decade. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025 Others are more forthcoming, and provide some details on background to help with the quality of the broadcast. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
Noun
  • Turning Point is an American conservative organization with chapters at over 2,000 colleges nationwide and has received a flood of support and requests for new chapters in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, amid the backdrop of rising fears of political violence in the USA.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And these high school students, Anya and Sofia, have grown up with the backdrop of war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That highlights the need for all road users to be prepared for different scenarios in unfamiliar settings.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The viral TikTok video shows Lukman getting ready for work inside her pod, which is housed in a warehouse-style setting where each unit appears to contain only enough space for a mattress.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Feldman, 54, received just 9 out of 20 for his tango during the season premiere, and insiders claim the pairing has been tense behind the scenes.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Reyes, who, like Phifer, is from New York, has yet to film any scenes with him but did get a chance to meet in the show's hair-and-makeup room.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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