Synonyms of backstage

backstage 1 of 2

adverb

ˈbak-ˈstāj 

as in privately

in a manner intended to prevent knowledge or awareness by others

some of the most important decisions were made backstage, and only presented to the full committee afterward

Synonyms & Similar Words

• privately
• confidentially
• in private
• secretly
• intimately
• in camera
• tête-à-tête
• à deux
• offstage
• inwardly
• offscreen
• sotto voce
• underground
• clandestinely
• undercover
• covertly
• furtively
• surreptitiously
• stealthily
• conspiratorially
• secretively
• collusively
• sneakily
• underhanded
• underhandedly
• underhand

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• publicly
• openly

backstage

2 of 2

adjective

as in offstage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offstage
• offscreen
• personal
• hidden
• repressed
• suppressed
• closeted
• stifled
• silenced
• underground
• concealed
• surreptitious
• undercover
• sneak
• clandestine
• closet
• furtive
• conspiratorial
• collusive
• sneaky
• underhand
• covert
• underhanded
• unsaid
• behind-the-scenes
• untold
• stealthy
• top secret
• undisclosed
• unmentioned
• unadvertised
• unannounced
• sneaking
• restricted
• intimate
• inside
• occult
• silent
• classified
• nonpublic
• confidential
• hugger-mugger
• private
• esoteric
• privy
• secret
• hush-hush
• hushed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• open
• common
• broadcast
• general
• aired
• popular
• current
• publicized
• vulgar
• advertised
• reported
• proclaimed
• prevailing
• announced
• blazed
• heralded
• prevalent
• widespread
• disclosed
• published
• professed
• rife
• well-known
• declared
• communal
• spotlighted
• shared
• divulged
• promulgated
• enunciated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of backstage

Adverb

From then on, a supply of tulle – a type of versatile fabric that can easily cover revealing openings that expose too much skin – was kept backstage. —Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 22 May 2025

Accounts vary as to what happened backstage in the aftermath of this, but there’s little doubt that longtime drummer Zak Starkey was let go from the band in the ensuing weeks. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025

Adjective

The second witness, Jordan Steves, was backstage. —Alyce McFadden, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025

With New York Fashion Week underway, the most obvious place to scout for fresh haircut inspiration would be backstage. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Feb. 2025