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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backgrounds
On Wednesday the association, which has been supporting talents of different backgrounds, with an original focus on the African continent, is gathering industry figures at hip member’s club The Wilde to spotlight five creatives.
—
Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Enrollment of students from underserved backgrounds grew this year, and the university has invested in more ways to support students at-risk of dropping out.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Their stories of grit, innovation, and creativity reveal how a wide variety of backgrounds and leadership styles can enable anyone to thrive.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
The playset comes with 40 pieces, including four decorative backgrounds, two cat figures, and plenty of accessories.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
Globalization will continue to ensure students and workers routinely interact with people from a dizzying array of linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
—Kenji Yoshino, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Washington noted that eating disorders affect both women and men, across all ages and backgrounds.
—ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
The partners’ goals have been shaped by their differing backgrounds — one a dominant tech player, the other the world’s largest eyewear maker.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
As in an Edith Wharton novel, the mingling of cultural elites from different generations and backgrounds, like different mixers in a cocktail glass, creates unexpected, stimulating combinations.
—Benjamin Lima
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Enrollment of students from underserved backgrounds grew this year, and the university has invested in more ways to support students at-risk of dropping out.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Their stories of grit, innovation, and creativity reveal how a wide variety of backgrounds and leadership styles can enable anyone to thrive.
—Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
The playset comes with 40 pieces, including four decorative backgrounds, two cat figures, and plenty of accessories.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
Globalization will continue to ensure students and workers routinely interact with people from a dizzying array of linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
—Kenji Yoshino, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Washington noted that eating disorders affect both women and men, across all ages and backgrounds.
—ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
The partners’ goals have been shaped by their differing backgrounds — one a dominant tech player, the other the world’s largest eyewear maker.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
As in an Edith Wharton novel, the mingling of cultural elites from different generations and backgrounds, like different mixers in a cocktail glass, creates unexpected, stimulating combinations.
—Benjamin Lima
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
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Holder photographed the original backdrops from 40 feet above on a sound stage, then digitally restored each image, smoothing creases and cracks in the fabric.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
27 Feb. 2026
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McCarthy moved to his current studio in 2012, and around then, bought land out in the Tehachapi Mountains to serve as Wild West backdrops, not unlike the early film studios buying up tumbleweed stables in Topanga to serve as facsimiles of one-horse towns to shoot westerns.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Literacy screenings are not typically conducted in medical settings, but several prominent pediatric care centers, including Boston Children’s Hospital, promote early literacy resources to families in recognition of reading’s importance for a child’s development.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
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The official told Semafor that other frontier AI companies are close to an agreement allowing them to be used in classified settings.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The secret cake even opens to reveal charming scenes of Winnie the Pooh’s house and the Hundred Acre Wood.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Feb. 2026
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Who is working behind the scenes?—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backgrounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backgrounds. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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