Synonyms of behind-the-scenes

behind-the-scenes

adjective

bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz 

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

• confidential
• secret
• private
• personal
• esoteric
• undisclosed
• intimate
• classified
• hidden
• inside
• nonpublic
• privy
• clandestine
• undercover
• hush-hush
• restricted
• covert
• surreptitious
• conspiratorial
• top secret
• hushed
• untold
• unadvertised
• concealed
• unmentioned
• backstage
• unsaid
• underground
• collusive
• sneak
• sneaky
• furtive
• unannounced
• underhanded
• silent
• closet
• stealthy
• underhand
• closeted
• offstage
• occult
• offscreen
• sneaking
• repressed
• suppressed
• stifled
• silenced
• hugger-mugger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• common
• open
• general
• broadcast
• publicized
• popular
• current
• aired
• widespread
• well-known
• prevailing
• reported
• heralded
• advertised
• vulgar
• published
• announced
• disclosed
• professed
• communal
• prevalent
• proclaimed
• blazed
• rife
• declared
• shared
• spotlighted
• divulged
• promulgated
• enunciated

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

• clandestine
• undercover
• sneak
• covert
• underground
• private
• sneaking
• surreptitious
• secret
• stealth
• sneaky
• furtive
• underhanded
• privy
• stealthy
• underhand
• hush-hush
• hole-and-corner
• backstairs
• closed-door
• undisclosed
• off-the-record
• confidential
• off-the-books
• hidden
• hugger-mugger
• back-channel
• top secret
• subterranean
• restricted
• classified
• unadvertised
• secreted
• concealed
• unexposed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• overt
• open
• straightforward
• avowed
• acknowledged
• obvious
• evident
• unrestricted
• unclassified
• undisguised
• clear
• manifest
• plain
• unconcealed
• aboveboard
• patent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of behind-the-scenes

The Wendy Williams Show will feature 20 former staffers from the talk show who will share their behind-the-scenes experiences working alongside Williams. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

The possibility of Driscoll stepping down follows months of behind-the-scenes friction between him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. — James Laporta, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Despite any behind-the-scenes drama that might have occurred, Hargitay and Meloni were able to keep a close friendship. — Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026

In addition, Tim Grover, Dwyane Wade’s longtime personal trainer, was given behind-the-scenes access at the Heat’s arena, with Jimmy Butler agent Bernie Lee afforded access to non-public areas of Kaseya Center. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026