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 two judges came from different backgrounds but shared the same answer about what can be done in the wake of these threats.
—
Alexandra Bacallao, NBC news, 3 June 2026
Both Pulido and Morales have backgrounds in local city politics — Morales is a former member of the Cypress City Council, and Pulido is a member of the Cerritos City Council.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
There's, in my view, few things that are more American than creating a community of people of different backgrounds to make your community better.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 June 2026
To friends and strangers alike, our unusual authorly posture—two spouses, both with academic backgrounds but neither presently working in academia, teaming up to write a trade book on a literary subject—is a source of bemusement.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Incumbent Mayor John McCann, a Republican, is being challenged by two candidates from Democratic backgrounds.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Today, Johnson has built a swimsuit business that caters to women of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
With little difference in their policy platforms — Kelloff even claimed Romero copied his — voters will have to look to their backgrounds to decide.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 1 June 2026
The creators’ fund is designed to provide top-shelf AI tools and funding to creators from a range of styles and backgrounds.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 May 2026
Alexandra Bacallao, NBC news, 3 June 2026
Both Pulido and Morales have backgrounds in local city politics — Morales is a former member of the Cypress City Council, and Pulido is a member of the Cerritos City Council.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
There's, in my view, few things that are more American than creating a community of people of different backgrounds to make your community better.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 June 2026
To friends and strangers alike, our unusual authorly posture—two spouses, both with academic backgrounds but neither presently working in academia, teaming up to write a trade book on a literary subject—is a source of bemusement.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Incumbent Mayor John McCann, a Republican, is being challenged by two candidates from Democratic backgrounds.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Today, Johnson has built a swimsuit business that caters to women of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
With little difference in their policy platforms — Kelloff even claimed Romero copied his — voters will have to look to their backgrounds to decide.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 1 June 2026
The creators’ fund is designed to provide top-shelf AI tools and funding to creators from a range of styles and backgrounds.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
-
From the sparkling shores of Fiji to Las Vegas rooftops, the stunning backdrops provide the perfect setting for every sweet and chaotic moment.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 June 2026
-
Travelers are seeking entry into local life rather than scenic backdrops, and a cultural festival offers exactly that kind of access.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
This device is extremely easy to use; just rotate the dial at the bottom of the mug to adjust the heat settings.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
-
PAs treat patients under the supervision of a physician in healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctors' offices, and outpatient clinics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Then came party number two on Sunday, when Arsenal’s players finally got their hands on the trophy and lifted it above their heads in the last game of the league season – cue more scenes of celebration across the English capital and beyond.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Mordecai often goes to scenes where people think immigration enforcement activities are happening in the area with the goal of making sure everyone’s safe and is aware of their constitutional rights.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backgrounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backgrounds. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
