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
Ruff’s counterpart on Monday, Florida’s Paul Maurice, is second (1,975) behind Scotty Bowman (2,141). Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026 In one photo, Brinkley posed on a rocky shoreline as gentle waves rolled in behind her. Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Sinners follows closely behind with five. Tessa Petak, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026 Clarke Schmidt is further behind after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 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
To make budgetary room for this bold endeavor, the duo advocated cutting the behind-schedule and over-budget Space Launch System (SLS), the super-heavy lift rocket intended to take astronauts back to the Moon with the Artemis program. Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025 Those victories have been followed with a come-from-behind, 41-38 win at Miami (Ohio), a good 31-17 win at Wyoming and another comeback, a 51-48 win at Air Force in which the Falcons missed a game-tying field goal as time expired. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • These topical patches stick to the back of your ear or around your navel and release a natural blend of essential oils to relieve nausea.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Take a picture of the front and back of your physical ID (driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID), using their phone’s camera.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • She was hired in May 2025 after spending the previous nine seasons as the associate head coach at Houston.
    Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Duggar went on to credit her simple diet in her health journey, which includes vegetables, fruits, meat and a few grains, after speaking with a friend about their complicated nutrition habits.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • School officials said the bus was transporting third-grade students back from a school trip to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City when the incident occurred.
    Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Playing Queen Charlotte brought her presence back to film following the height of her television fame with Prime Suspect.
    Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • And when sunrise was artificially delayed by three hours, the rate of the finches' singing intensified and commenced sooner compared with non-delayed sunrises.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
  • Identity data from incidents like this is frequently reused later for delayed fraud.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • And keep your in-flight essentials like headphones, sleep mask, e-reader, and other tech tools together in your personal item that stays with you at the seat rather than in the overhead bin.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The video shows a man call security on a group of women sitting behind him in orchestra seats at the Winter Garden Theatre.
    Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 9 Jan. 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
  • Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 prompted unified Western sanctions, massive military aid, and rhetorical solidarity, but by late 2025, strategic divergences had widened amid battlefield stalemates, economic fatigue, and diplomatic initiatives.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Ahmad Moten was fortunate not to be called for what was clearly a late hit.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 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, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Hofman's photos of the Ross seal — often distinguished by its broad, dark stripes on its body and neck, as well as its large eyes — show the seal facing the camera directly, with its flippers and tail trailing behind it.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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