backgrounds

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Candidates should be evaluated on subject knowledge, instructional skill, and their ability to teach students from different backgrounds. — Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026 Beyond their Group of Six backgrounds, the similarities between their Florida teams are becoming difficult to ignore. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 Catholics of varying ethnic backgrounds Catholics in California are also ethnically diverse. — Krysta Fauria, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026 The new leaders, who come from varied backgrounds, see fresh chances for collaboration. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026 But Chomet and Soumache tell Variety that the film was created using traditional 2D animation techniques, with the characters, backgrounds and key poses drawn by artists. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026 In any case, the characters’ specific backgrounds matter less when the play reveals itself to be a metaphor for military conflict, especially the fallout and collateral damage affecting those who are not the strategists and decision makers. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026 Tens of thousands of people from different backgrounds, religions and walks of life standing together. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026 The growing experience of assemblies proves that people of widely disparate ideologies and diverse demographic backgrounds can come together and deliberate on issues of public policy. — Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
  • The $49 Patron tier ads customized posters and backdrops and access to some beta features.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The lush backdrops make for a striking contrast with the shame and alienation the characters feel; Haynes sensitively communicates the suffocating pressure to confirm in midcentury America.
    — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Stickers pasted throughout the suite help guests understand air conditioning, lighting settings, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • According to a federal audit published in July, more than 9,000 children in foster care nationwide had to temporarily stay in hotels, office buildings and other settings when states couldn't find suitable places over an 18-month period.
    — Liz Crawford, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • And the city also has been recognized for its food and beer scenes, CharlotteFive previously reported.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The feed launched in March and lets viewers swipe through scenes, save titles, or jump straight into a movie or show.
    — Rani Molla, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Backgrounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backgrounds. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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