mise-en-scène

1
as in decor
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production an era in which the mise-en-scène of Broadway musicals became ever more spectacular

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in atmosphere
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the movie captures the mise-en-scène of strife and desperation in a country torn apart by civil war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mise-en-scène distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mise-en-scène are background, environment, milieu, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could background be used to replace mise-en-scène?

The synonyms background and mise-en-scène are sometimes interchangeable, but background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When can environment be used instead of mise-en-scène?

The words environment and mise-en-scène are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

In what contexts can milieu take the place of mise-en-scène?

While in some cases nearly identical to mise-en-scène, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When might setting be a better fit than mise-en-scène?

Although the words setting and mise-en-scène have much in common, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mise-en-scène
Noun
  • Chances are, these options will also match your everyday decor better, making your space more cohesive and intentional.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The jewelry edit is meant to serve as an anchor for the space, where there will also be a selection of homeware and gifting, ranging from lifestyle design and decor to artisan candles, sculptural vases, tabletop objects and books-as-art.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The tiny home park (that also offers Airstreams for rent) provides quaint and private accommodations for guests with a communal camp atmosphere.
    Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Generated when biomass, such as crop residues, wood, or other organic matter, is heated to produce clean energy, bio-tar can clog pipelines, corrode equipment, and release harmful compounds into the atmosphere if not managed carefully.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Feldman, 54, received just 9 out of 20 for his tango during the season premiere, and insiders claim the pairing has been tense behind the scenes.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Reyes, who, like Phifer, is from New York, has yet to film any scenes with him but did get a chance to meet in the show's hair-and-makeup room.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The commitment comes weeks before COP30 climate negotiations in Brazil.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • During the suspension, Fallon, host of NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, commented publicly on the turbulent climate for late-night hosts.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Turning Point is an American conservative organization with chapters at over 2,000 colleges nationwide and has received a flood of support and requests for new chapters in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, amid the backdrop of rising fears of political violence in the USA.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And these high school students, Anya and Sofia, have grown up with the backdrop of war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the real showstopper this time of year is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers a breathtaking ride through some of the area’s most spectacular fall scenery.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
  • These are five places that showed me how to dig deeper into Portugal’s history and jaw-dropping scenery in relative solitude.
    Anna Mazurek, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Point Arc's Point-Fest Formerly known as Boots n' Brews, this event features a lineup of seven artists performing multi-genre sets.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Line up 31 small jars or a smaller set for a shorter countdown, and number each with paint, stickers, or tags.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Mise-en-scène.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mise-en-sc%C3%A8ne. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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