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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Recent Examples of backgrounds
Despite their contrasting backgrounds, together Joly and Brunet proved unstoppable, transforming pairs skating.
—
Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 3 Feb. 2026
With reasons ranging from ideological to practical, the men looking for birth control options come from varied backgrounds.
—Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
Despite that mix of professional backgrounds, there’s been a striking lack of diversity.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
For example, a DEI program at a medical school might seek to make sure that doctors from affluent white backgrounds are aware of the structural barriers that patients from other backgrounds may face.
—Literary Hub, 30 Jan. 2026
Having insight into the history of all different types of people helps children and teens have more empathy, compassion, and consideration for people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
More than a pseudonym, these poets and writers had different backgrounds and influences.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
People from all backgrounds, religions and viewpoints are welcome to join.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Four months of planning by Khan, Muna Abbas, Zeenie Malik, Hanifa Shaikh and Farah Suede, resulted in the first ball, which invited Muslims from all races, ethnicities, backgrounds and corners of the state to meet at the heart of Hartford and West Hartford’s Elizabeth Park Conservancy.
—Mariana Navarrete Villegas, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 3 Feb. 2026
With reasons ranging from ideological to practical, the men looking for birth control options come from varied backgrounds.
—Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
Despite that mix of professional backgrounds, there’s been a striking lack of diversity.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
For example, a DEI program at a medical school might seek to make sure that doctors from affluent white backgrounds are aware of the structural barriers that patients from other backgrounds may face.
—Literary Hub, 30 Jan. 2026
Having insight into the history of all different types of people helps children and teens have more empathy, compassion, and consideration for people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
More than a pseudonym, these poets and writers had different backgrounds and influences.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
People from all backgrounds, religions and viewpoints are welcome to join.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Four months of planning by Khan, Muna Abbas, Zeenie Malik, Hanifa Shaikh and Farah Suede, resulted in the first ball, which invited Muslims from all races, ethnicities, backgrounds and corners of the state to meet at the heart of Hartford and West Hartford’s Elizabeth Park Conservancy.
—Mariana Navarrete Villegas, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
-
Sketches are a bit punchier and backdrops more elaborate, though not in a way that undermines the Muppets’ scrappy, analog aesthetic.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Its assortment of recollections consists, for the most part, of first-hand accounts from residents seated at acute angles from the interview camera against colorful backdrops.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The platform is designed to tightly integrate robot hardware, software systems, and model algorithms into a single training architecture, enabling rapid deployment across industrial, commercial, and even home settings.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 2026
-
With that, his brain is rebooted to factory settings, and Hank essentially dies in her arms, replaced by another blank slate.—
Jack King,
Vulture,
4 Feb. 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 6 Feb. 2026.
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