behind 1 of 4

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
Gilgeous-Alexander trailed only Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo in free-throw attempts this season (10.6 to 8.8), and is averaging 9.2 in the postseason (tied for third with Dončić, behind Antetokounmpo and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell). Sam Amick, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Last winter, the Tribune wrote about its own efforts to identify the veterans behind the remaining unclaimed Purple Hearts. Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Noun
Just months after letting d'Arnaud walk, the Braves are already left kicking themselves in the behind. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 Because my behind is definitely not getting into no Cessna! Arabella Hau, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • Thomas was going to be picked off before the next pitch, but first baseman Jared Jones hit him in the back of the helmet with his throw.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2025
  • If mixing up cocktails at home seems intimidating, don't fear—the secret to your new favorite drink might already be in the back of your fridge.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
Preposition
  • Fifteen hours after the 911 call, an 8-year-old relative found the three bodies inside the home, their throats slashed ear to ear.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • If approved, the amendment would require emergency clause votes to take place at least 24 hours after the vote on the accompanying bill.
    Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • One fan scatters his dad’s ashes underneath his seat.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • The party won a crucial supreme court race in Wisconsin and picked up two seats in the Pennsylvania statehouse.
    Charlotte Alter, Time, 19 May 2025
Adverb
  • Discovery is bringing the Green Lanterns back with a live-action show.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 13 May 2025
  • He was ordered to pay back $9,402,678 in restitution and serve 10 years on probation.
    Jennifer Sangalang, USA Today, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • But beggars can’t be choosers, so Vargas-Keller will be something to watch in round two of the City Series in late July at Sox Park.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • Elissa was scheduled for more imaging tests in late August to see whether the tumors responded to the new therapy.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • But a clear victory for democracy in Bangladesh, a country of 170 million people, carried a sting in its tail.
    Simon Montlake, Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2025
  • Nobody’s going to beat you the last 150 meters, the Denver East senior assured herself, as Lakewood’s Eliana Angelino rode her tail.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
Adverb
  • Each is wrapped in graceful exterior lines and curves that sweep rearward from a massive hood that evokes a classic Jaguar XKE from the 1960’s.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • As do the side vents, and the hood lines that start from the badge and flare outward and rearward, giving the front end more presence.
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • Join 20 others in the comments View Comments And while more than half of the newly delinquent borrowers already had subprime credit scores, 2.4 million others had scores above 620 and saw average negative score changes north of 140 points, New York Fed research showed.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
  • But with tax roll billing, city officials don’t have to cast an awkward vote to place delinquent bills on the county tax roll.
    Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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