behind-the-scenes

adjective

bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz How to pronounce behind-the-scenes (audio)
Definition of behind-the-scenesnext
1
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 behind-the-scenes Below, Acielle Tanbetova takes us through the best behind-the-scenes moments from the spring 2027 shows in Paris. — Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026 The 35-year-old model shared a behind-the-scenes look at her night at Sunday's awards show, leading her Instagram carousel with a photo of herself posing in a red-and-black dress featuring dramatic open sides. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Or at least had an active Tumblr account in the 2010s — where Durham’s intimate behind-the-scenes photographs of Coppola’s third feature film had fostered a cult audience. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 Four years ago, Pugh’s movie Don’t Worry Darling was the talk of the Venice Film Festival due to rumored behind-the-scenes drama and a messy rollout, including a press conference Pugh missed—allegedly due to a scheduling conflict. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behind-the-scenes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind-the-scenes
  1. confidential
  2. clandestine
  3. secret
  4. undercover
  5. private
  6. covert
  7. underground
Adjective
  • Under the terms of the agreement, the reports will be kept confidential by the man and his attorneys.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Leaders need to evaluate how existing infrastructure can support confidential computing, which securely connects data across systems.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of confidential
Adjective
  • Facing a massive defense budget shortfall, Ukraine has not been able to cash in on the millions of dollars earned by its clandestine adult-content industry.
    — Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • And so, at first light, when firefighters had won the day and the smoke cleared to reveal the ostrich flock still standing, the sight didn’t lead to any reconsideration of the night’s theories of clandestine slaughter.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • Spaeter shares that baking soda can act as a secret ingredient to a sparkling oven.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE The Israeli prime minister’s meeting with the UAE’s president lasted an hour, according to the two people briefed on Netanyahu’s trip, which was first reported by Israel’s Channel 12 TV station.
    — Josef Federman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of secret
Adjective
  • The second half throws us into the other timeline, where Ari’s doppelgänger, known as Ibari, is a high-ranking undercover operative willing to disappear fellow citizens that pose challenges to the authoritarian government.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The news program worked with internet watchdog group Perverted Justice to record undercover sting operations against alleged pedophiles.
    — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • The Aries Full Moon illuminates your private 12th house, bringing an old emotion, habit, memory, or attachment closer to the surface.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • For a special occasion, reserve a sunset or moonlit dinner in one of four private cabanas on the sand.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of private
Adjective
  • The products arrive amid lawsuits over covert recordings, concerns about AI safety and political pressure for greater oversight of rapidly advancing technology.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Future Nyota hasn’t let this new, semi-covert relationship distract her from her job, however.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • The property also comes with planning permission for another 10,000 square feet, including additional living space, staff quarters, and underground parking for up to 17 cars.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

behinds
behind-the-scenes
behold
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Cite this Entry

“Behind-the-scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind-the-scenes. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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