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
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Recent Examples of behind-the-scenes
The aim of the show was to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look of where the series' beloved anchors had grown up.
—
Chris Kenning, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Iger handed off to Chapek in 2020 but soon soured on his successor, causing a behind-the-scenes power struggle that ended with Iger’s return as CEO in 2022.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
May 21 – June 20 Quiet time brings behind-the-scenes breakthroughs.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Inside Look stories give Star-Telegram subscribers exclusive sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes reporting.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind-the-scenes
Chris Kenning, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Iger handed off to Chapek in 2020 but soon soured on his successor, causing a behind-the-scenes power struggle that ended with Iger’s return as CEO in 2022.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
May 21 – June 20 Quiet time brings behind-the-scenes breakthroughs.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Inside Look stories give Star-Telegram subscribers exclusive sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes reporting.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind-the-scenes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind-the-scenes
Adjective
-
During the sentencing hearing that began last week, prosecutors revealed the previously confidential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson's name and the shooting date found at his family's house in the Hedingham subdivision.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
All calls will be kept confidential.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Ortiz said Rodríguez Torres went further by overseeing the creation of clandestine detention facilities.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Yes, its signage and entryway are on the clandestine side.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Sharon used to be the company’s secret weapon, a beautiful, smart and immaculately presented businesswoman who flattered hard cash out of horny old billionaires.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Typical zero-knowledge proofs require a demonstration of how to build what’s called a simulator, which can re-create the steps of the proof without actually knowing the secret solution.—
Peter Hall,
Scientific American,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Based on a 2019 Cosmopolitan article, the limited series follows an undercover investigator, played by Chastain, who infiltrates domestic extremist groups to thwart catastrophic large-scale attacks.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
15 Feb. 2026
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The measure would allow some exemptions, including for officers involved in undercover operations and SWAT duties or who are wearing religious garb.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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At first, video footage of the potential suspect wasn't available under Guthrie's subscription plan, but it was recovered by authorities and private-sector partners.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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The designation would mean no change for the hundreds of private property owners in the zone.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts.—
Mehera Bonner,
Marie Claire,
15 Mar. 2017
Adjective
-
The historic Vietnamese revolutionary Ho Chi Minh is said to have used the hotel as a covert meeting spot during the First Indochina War.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
14 Feb. 2026
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What else is going on A Southern California man was sentenced to four years in prison for acting as a covert Chinese agent while helping elect an Arcadia City Council member.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Famously diverse, the club draws in a mix of locals, visitors, and a strong contingent of regulars who are deeply embedded in Berlin's underground scene.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Missouri - Travelers can cross the historic Chain of Rocks bridge over the Mississippi River and explore underground cages.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Behind-the-scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind-the-scenes. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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