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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Recent Examples of backgrounds
How do top universities fare in attracting talent from all backgrounds?
—
Raj Chetty, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
This initiative sought to bring together Americans of differing backgrounds and ethnicities to put aside their differences and focus on the greater commonality of economic parity and mutual respect.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
None of those running this time have that political pedigree, or the Sacramento backgrounds of Newsom or Brown, which, Porter suggested, is not a bad thing.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Per Netflix, the men and women entering the pods come from a wide range of backgrounds and careers, but the age range is slightly narrower and older than we’re used to seeing.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 Jan. 2026
Familiar streets and relationships sit behind the work, even when the backgrounds are reduced to color.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
The series features contestants from unconventional backgrounds living together in pursuit of love.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
With impressionistic backgrounds and expressive animation, the series explores grief, faith and revolution through a deeply emotional lens.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
However, the four-year graduation rates improved for African American students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Raj Chetty, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
This initiative sought to bring together Americans of differing backgrounds and ethnicities to put aside their differences and focus on the greater commonality of economic parity and mutual respect.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
None of those running this time have that political pedigree, or the Sacramento backgrounds of Newsom or Brown, which, Porter suggested, is not a bad thing.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Per Netflix, the men and women entering the pods come from a wide range of backgrounds and careers, but the age range is slightly narrower and older than we’re used to seeing.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 Jan. 2026
Familiar streets and relationships sit behind the work, even when the backgrounds are reduced to color.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 27 Jan. 2026
The series features contestants from unconventional backgrounds living together in pursuit of love.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
With impressionistic backgrounds and expressive animation, the series explores grief, faith and revolution through a deeply emotional lens.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026
However, the four-year graduation rates improved for African American students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
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Forgotten animal pens, decaying cages and stony backdrops now sit in various states of abandonment.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
-
After years of performative gathering, the Instagrammable backdrops and content-ready moments, people are seeking something different.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Users can turn these integrations on or off in Gemini settings.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Mas, the bestselling author of the Villains of Lore and Psycho Shifters series, has a strong historical background to help construct her atmospheric settings.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This is the year of crushes that turn serious, passion projects that attract admirers and moments that feel like scenes from a movie.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Walker died in November 2013 while Furious 7 was still in production, and his character’s scenes were completed through CGI, archival footage and the use of brothers Caleb and Cody Walker as stand-ins.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backgrounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backgrounds. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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