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
  • Absolutely nothing has changed lately about the signs or decor at local Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Use Mismatched Vintage Dishware Mixing and matching vintage dishware from the thrift store is one of Gaines’ favorite pastimes—and rules for elevated, classic decor, too.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The athletics track surrounding the pitch at the London Stadium certainly does not help, meaning supporters are a long way from the action and the atmosphere suffers as a result.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Two of the missions with uncertain futures monitor carbon dioxide levels in the Earth's atmosphere.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Appropriators are working behind the scenes to craft a yearlong bipartisan spending plan but are likely to need another stopgap funding measure to avoid a shutdown, which will require at least seven Democrats to cross the aisle and break a 60-vote filibuster.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In January 2024, a downsizing Groupon moved to smaller digs downtown, leaving a 300,000-square-foot hole in the onetime nexus of the Chicago tech scene.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cannon-Brookes is urging Australia to show more ambition on climate action, even as the new government legislates plans to strengthen the country’s carbon emissions cuts.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Signs throughout the museum ask visitors to consider how the climate has changed the course of human evolution, and how humans have affected the environment around them.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An oversized heron print by Gucci on a retro pink backdrop forms a striking focal point, offset by the clean geometry of the Manhattan skyline.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shot against the stunning backdrops of New Zealand, the campaign shows how even the smallest moments of a morning ritual — from the hiss of steam to the first swirl of crema — can embody calm and indulgence.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Madaan’s production aims to capture the era’s charm while incorporating the famous monument as more than mere scenery — the Taj Mahal functions as an integral story component in the leads’ romantic journey.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is known for its tranquil scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi River, according to the NPS website.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple sets of eyes should be watching everyone who has any access to the funds.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Iubel will work across Liverpool’s first-team, under-21s and under-18s training groups, as well as being heavily involved with those youngsters who are out on loan, to support their pathway into the senior set-up.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 4 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 9 Sep. 2025.

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