behind 1 of 4

Definition of behindnext
1
as in back of
at, to, or toward the rear of she preferred to be behind the lead hikers, who were always too much in a rush to enjoy the scenery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order we arrived behind them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

behind

2 of 4

adverb

behind

3 of 4

adjective

behind

4 of 4

noun

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 behind
Preposition
The president has spoken positively about the three leading candidates, but hasn’t put his full weight behind one. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026 Different mythological tales point to the reason behind this observance. ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Thanks to its naturally absorbent quality, the newspaper will prevent liquid from being left behind. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026 That is, until Maggie’s ex-husband, Liam (Marcus Rosner), arrives with a shocking revelation which only upends Maggie’s life once again and causes Cal to question whether Maggie will ever truly be able to leave her past behind. Peter White, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Like the scrappy bird in their nickname, the tenacious Toronto Blue Jays have clawed their way to 45 come-from-behind victories – most in the major leagues – and 87 overall, tops in the American League with under two weeks left in the 2025 campaign. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
Any Negative Nancies won't be singing that tune when static cling has their dress suctioned to their behinds during church. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025 And the Carolina Panthers (4-4) and the Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) each pulled off nail-biting fourth-quarter come-from-behind wins against the Dolphins in wins the defense gift-wrapped its opponents. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • When the truck slowed down to turn onto 95th Avenue, police say the Subaru failed to slow down and crashed into the back of the trailer.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The Shahed can be made cheaply with dual-use components and launched off the back of a truck.
    Jane Lytvynenko, NBC news, 3 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • The Spanish tradition of cooking with rice is evidenced in its immense production—Spain is the second-largest rice producer in Europe after Italy.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Studies have also found the difference in PFAS accumulation between women and men narrows after menopause.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The Grizzlies got the lead down to 12 points in the third, but a series of cuts and offensive rebounds by Santos and Richard pushed the advantage back to 20 points at the end of three quarters.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The nonprofit leases the buildings back to DPS, which allows Denver School Facilities to mortgage the buildings with a bank trustee that collateralizes the buildings in exchange for debt proceeds, according to the lawsuit.
    Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Brave jumpers leaped into Evergreen Lake on March 1, or meteorological spring, as the delayed Evergreen Lake Plunge took place.
    CBSColorado.com Staff, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
  • In a delayed broadcast of the event, edited and aired two hours later, BBC did not remove the slur.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Snag a bar seat early for the best people watching, but be sure to start your meal with the hot buns no matter what.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Then a mid-level Shiite cleric, Khamenei won a seat in the Iranian parliament in 1980 as a member of the Islamic Republican Party and was appointed by Khomeini to the key post of Friday prayers leader in the capital.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025
  • When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Amplifying the chaos were questions over who will replace Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late leader, who was killed in the aerial barrage over the weekend.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Israel says one latest attack in the city struck Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
  • As a result, the trailer's tail lights and turn signals won't turn on, and the brake function could stop working, the automaker said in a statement.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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