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
Multiple candidates among the leading contenders represent diverse backgrounds and experiences capable of addressing California’s major challenges.
—
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Early-career investigators from minority backgrounds lost their research dollars because the money was awarded under programs to make the science workforce more diverse.
—Rachana Pradhan, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Noble Machines was founded in 2024 by engineers with backgrounds at Apple, SpaceX, NASA and Caltech.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
Of the 80 people questioned, 56 said there was insufficient career progression for journalists from diverse backgrounds.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
The men ranged from 22 to 70 years old, coming from all sorts of backgrounds, occupations, and social classes.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
The other 10 headliners span a wide range of genres and backgrounds.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The character designs are delightful, the physicality of the animals a constant source of amusement and the lush green backgrounds of the woodsy setting make Hoppers a treat for the eyes.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Mar. 2026
Our industry reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, which is a tremendous asset.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Early-career investigators from minority backgrounds lost their research dollars because the money was awarded under programs to make the science workforce more diverse.
—Rachana Pradhan, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Noble Machines was founded in 2024 by engineers with backgrounds at Apple, SpaceX, NASA and Caltech.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
Of the 80 people questioned, 56 said there was insufficient career progression for journalists from diverse backgrounds.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
The men ranged from 22 to 70 years old, coming from all sorts of backgrounds, occupations, and social classes.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
The other 10 headliners span a wide range of genres and backgrounds.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The character designs are delightful, the physicality of the animals a constant source of amusement and the lush green backgrounds of the woodsy setting make Hoppers a treat for the eyes.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Mar. 2026
Our industry reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, which is a tremendous asset.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backgrounds
Noun
-
Those familiar with Prager’s work will recognize hallmarks of her visual flourishes, from the matte-painting backdrops to the feeling that everything is taking place out of time.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Against such backdrops, the Fed would normally start setting the stage for easier monetary policy.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The proposal would require AI systems that simulate conversation to use privacy-preserving age estimation so child-protective settings kick in for users under 18.—
Chris Lehane,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The shocking scenes were documented by several influencers in the emirate, including DJ Will Bailey, who shared a video of himself on the decks at a Dubai beach club as missiles were being launched nearby.—
Tamara Hardingham-Gill,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Mike Asfall, president of Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch of the NAACP, said he’s been working behind the scenes with city officials and the police chief over issues of race and policing.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backgrounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backgrounds. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
