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 Unlike other comedy specials, this one gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the joke-writing process that goes into creating a special. — Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 The film includes a bonus behind-the-scenes look at the composer’s process developing the score. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 Gigi Hadid and Travis Kelce showed off their sweet bond in a behind-the-scenes video for their Tommy Hilfiger campaign. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 4 Sep. 2026 Earlier this year a behind-the-scenes spat between Hardy, screenwriter Jez Butterworth and producer David Glasser spilled into the public sphere when it was claimed Hardy had been fired from the show. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 3 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
  • Trials also risk exposing confidential information during court proceedings.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The House of Representatives, which is dominated by Marcos’ allies, voted overwhelmingly in May to impeach Duterte over allegations of unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential state funds and the online news conference threats.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of confidential
Adjective
  • Or that the Apollo moon landing in 1969 was staged, the video shot on some clandestine movie set.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The clandestine manner in which LG monitors were installing ad-pushing software onto third-party devices, however, remains seriously concerning.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of clandestine
Adjective
  • Western officials suspect that the traces could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • According to the Big Ten, there is a secret clock that is more accurate than the TV clock.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of secret
Adjective
  • And in 1963, Steinem gained national attention for going undercover at one of Hugh Hefner's nightclubs.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The rest of the officers at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office who were part of setting this undercover operation up and didn’t listen owe the officer an apology.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of undercover
Adjective
  • The Moon opposes your ruler Pluto, creating tension between public responsibilities and private concerns.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The course has seven sets of tees and has the feel of some of Charlotte’s wealthier private clubs.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of private
Adjective
  • Over the last decade, covert tests have revealed vulnerabilities at security checkpoints, with one in 2015 showing a nearly 96% failure rate at screening fake explosives.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The film imagines a colorful, family-friendly realm concealed just under the surface of video games themselves, populated by a covert guild of guardians tasked with keeping each title operating and preserving every player’s journey.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of covert
Adjective
  • In Britain’s North Yorkshire, researchers have established an underground farming facility more than 1,000 meters below ground to test how crops can be cultivated deep beneath the surface.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Unmade follows the legendary underground filmmaker through three years of terminal illness—not as a farewell portrait, but as a final, uncompromising work of his own cinema.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 8 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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