backgrounds

Definition of backgroundsnext
plural of background
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in settings
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 One was for teaching students with diverse backgrounds. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 These are small operations run by passionate cooks, often reflecting the diverse backgrounds and bold flavors that make a food city great. Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026 Levi’s jeans remain a prominent piece of American culture, a clothing item that represents Americans across all backgrounds, classes and occupations. Jack Armstrong, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 The Sony cameras have a leg up in dim light and blur backgrounds more readily, but aren't quite as useful as the ZS300 for a trip to the zoo or for snapping pictures of squirrels in your backyard. Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026 And both backgrounds have been critical to building structures that helped Skims and Good American grow in the areas of shapewear and inclusivity. Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026 The measure will establish a permanent Interfaith Advisory Commission to provide advice, support dialogue and promote education related to different religious backgrounds and institutions. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026 What to expect Attendees can expect a range of local chefs and vendors serving traditional fish plates alongside dishes influenced by a variety of cultural backgrounds. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026 Those employees, called care coordinators, will have social work backgrounds and create unique plans for each youth that will follow them throughout the juvenile detention process. Jason Henry, Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
  • The new filming locations join an already impressive list of glamorous destinations used as backdrops in Emily in Paris, including Rome, Venice, Saint Tropez and Megève.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Art installations have gone viral in their own right, with towering sculptures and immersive experiences serving as backdrops that drive massive online engagement.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Instead of asking parents to constantly adjust settings, the platform builds age-appropriate experiences from the start.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
  • And depending on the share settings, ICE could access the cameras for immigration enforcement — even if Dunwoody doesn’t share directly with the agency.
    Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • State officials say federal agents first agreed to work with them at the scenes of the Good and Sosa-Celis shootings, then federal officials later took control of the evidence.
    Meg Anderson, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Dacre Montgomery plays Arthur, a serial killer who is re-creating scenes from the original Faces of Death, but now with real murder.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backgrounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backgrounds. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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