1
as in backdrops
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 backgrounds
The event features a striking diversity of body shapes, ages, complexions, backgrounds, orientations, gender expressions and body art, all made equal under the Florida sun (slightly overcast this year) by their status as golden geese for the fan platforms.
—
Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
In Japan, where many Prime Video users come from traditional television backgrounds, the platform has expanded into areas such as live sports.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 17 June 2026
The split between dads and moms working isn’t the same across all racial backgrounds.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 17 June 2026
The commercialization of fusion science has led to an excitement about the field and an influx of a diverse set of people with different backgrounds that have brought new ideas and tools.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
The prospect of Syrian troops entering Lebanon is likely to raise alarm bells, as many come from factions within Islamist and jihadist backgrounds and have been accused of atrocities against minorities within Syria’s own borders.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Bell also explained that even the briefest roles were cast with intentionality, with Kanin and Robinson using small roles as opportunities to experiment with casting actors from unusual backgrounds.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
But the performance-lecture has become an increasingly popular medium that artists—and notably performers coming from a wide range of backgrounds—have taken on with a great deal of success.
—Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026
The two have vastly different backgrounds and would likely take the panel in different directions politically.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2026
Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
In Japan, where many Prime Video users come from traditional television backgrounds, the platform has expanded into areas such as live sports.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 17 June 2026
The split between dads and moms working isn’t the same across all racial backgrounds.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 17 June 2026
The commercialization of fusion science has led to an excitement about the field and an influx of a diverse set of people with different backgrounds that have brought new ideas and tools.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
The prospect of Syrian troops entering Lebanon is likely to raise alarm bells, as many come from factions within Islamist and jihadist backgrounds and have been accused of atrocities against minorities within Syria’s own borders.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Bell also explained that even the briefest roles were cast with intentionality, with Kanin and Robinson using small roles as opportunities to experiment with casting actors from unusual backgrounds.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
But the performance-lecture has become an increasingly popular medium that artists—and notably performers coming from a wide range of backgrounds—have taken on with a great deal of success.
—Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026
The two have vastly different backgrounds and would likely take the panel in different directions politically.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
-
Set the scene The drive from the Bozeman Airport is just under one hour and tours through vast open acre terrains and peak-mountain-backdrops of the Northern Rockies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
-
Herring Cove is closer to town and known for calmer waters, while Race Point directly faces the Atlantic Ocean and offers more crashing waves and taller dune backdrops to your beachside photo session.—
Cameron Sperance,
Travel + Leisure,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
To check the status of the keys on Windows machines, users can open Windows Security settings > Device Security > Secure Boot.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
17 June 2026
-
Eventually, he'll be placed in healthcare, education and hospitality settings.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
All of this, mind you, is far more riveting than the car chase scenes in Disclosure Day.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
-
All of these were one takes for our friend Will here, and these were really difficult scenes.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backgrounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backgrounds. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
