in the background
idiom
: in a position that avoids attracting attention
He was a shy man who always tried to keep/stay in the background.
Examples of in the background in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Earlier this month, the actress shared a post on Instagram celebrating the author's birthday, including photos of the pair enjoying a snack together as a song from Wicked played in the background.
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Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Whether putting them on in the background while decorating the tree and wrapping presents or curling up on the couch and giving them your full attention, there's a reliable warmth to these TV movies that is simply unmatched.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest With vistas over St. Stephen’s Basilica and hints of the Buda Hills and the Hungarian Parliament in the background, The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest captures the pulse of the city in its central location just off the lively Erzsébet and Deák squares.
—Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
With the corporate office always (often literally) looming in the background, the film never shies away from those power dynamics and the complicated actions of its lead female character.
—Helen Murphy, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in the background 
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Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024
Whether putting them on in the background while decorating the tree and wrapping presents or curling up on the couch and giving them your full attention, there's a reliable warmth to these TV movies that is simply unmatched.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest With vistas over St. Stephen’s Basilica and hints of the Buda Hills and the Hungarian Parliament in the background, The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest captures the pulse of the city in its central location just off the lively Erzsébet and Deák squares.
—Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
With the corporate office always (often literally) looming in the background, the film never shies away from those power dynamics and the complicated actions of its lead female character.
—Helen Murphy, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in the background
Dictionary Entries Near in the background
Cite this Entry
“In the background.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20background. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
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