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

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 mise-en-scène The mise-en-scene towards the end feels clumsy, even a bit limp, and the plotting becomes forced. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025 The mise-en-scene towards the end feels clumsy, even a bit limp, and the plotting becomes forced. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025 The back and forth feels distracting rather than revealing at times, a showy move that feels out of step with the overall mise-en-scene. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2024 Andersson’s mise-en-scene owes some obvious debts to the likes of Tati and Fellini, but his tragicomic deadpan remains entirely his own. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 The full mise-en-scene of Biles, Lee, Chiles, Carey, and Rivera wearing their final look beneath a cascade of red, white, and blue confetti communicated a distinct narrative from Minneapolis’ central arena where the games were held. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 2 July 2024 And last night, between 50th and 49th Street, a festive spectacle took place as Saks Fifth Avenue and Dior unveiled their mesmerizing mise-en-scene window display, Dior’s Carousel of Dreams at Saks. Maia Torres, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 But the mise-en-scene suffers inexplicably and lacks resonance with our more recent era. Bonnie Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2023 Here, an amusing if chaotic mise-en-scene is what’s at center stage. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mise-en-scène
Noun
  • From wallpaper to gallery walls (or both), no decor is off the table.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • This is an easy focal point for a bedroom while complementing the surrounding decor and furniture like nightstands and dressers.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The Grill at Smooth Rapids serves up hearty meals with river views and often hosts live music, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
    Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
  • Developed by Indigo Road Hospitality with interiors by B. Berry and architecture by Neil Stevenson, the hotel blends contemporary design with a spacious, residential atmosphere.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Family members still have questions about charges related to Colton's death The driver who fled the scene was later identified by investigators as Scott Botcher, the village manager for Fox Point.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • First responders found Bernhardt in the road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Are Nectarines and Peaches Seasonal Fruit? Peaches and nectarines have been cultivated for growth in a wide variety of climates and regions across the globe.
    Hannah Coakley, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
  • The investing climate is largely rewarding risk—and most investors are happy to accept the gains.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
  • Mindy Kaling Kaling matched the backdrop of the red carpet on Thursday night with a glossy purple lip and rosy blush on her cheeks.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • The Cubs have already seen several pitchers thrive with that change of scenery.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • If Amazon's never-ending sales event gave you shopper's fatigue, how about a change of scenery with anti-Prime Day deals?
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The singer had last performed at the festival in 2023, where he was seen battling Tourette’s throughout his set.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
  • Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 15 July 2025

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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 26 Jul. 2025.

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