BACKGROUND Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'background' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of background are environment , milieu , mise-en-scène , and setting . While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," 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

Q: Where would 'environment' be a reasonable alternative to 'background'?

While the synonyms environment and background are close in meaning, 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'milieu' instead of 'background'?

The synonyms milieu and background are sometimes interchangeable, but milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons. // an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Q: In what contexts can 'mise-en-scène' take the place of 'background'?

Although the words mise-en-scène and background have much in common, 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

Q: When could 'setting' be used to replace 'background'?

The meanings of setting and background largely overlap; however, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms. // a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

background

noun

ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd

Definition of background next

as in backdrop

the physical conditions or features that form the setting against which something is viewed they got married on a mountain top with the sunset as background

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in setting

the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the background of that movie is the World War II era

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word background distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of background are environment, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," 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

Where would environment be a reasonable alternative to background?

While the synonyms environment and background are close in meaning, 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

When is it sensible to use milieu instead of background?

The synonyms milieu and background are sometimes interchangeable, but milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

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

Although the words mise-en-scène and background have much in common, 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 setting be used to replace background?

The meanings of setting and background largely overlap; however, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Examples 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 background Building on her background in investment banking, Power designs innovative approaches to finance that achieve results for people and the planet. —

Keith Ippel, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 This article has been updated with additional information and background. —

Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Glenn started his post-playing career in the Jets scouting department, a unique background for a future head coach. —

Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 Depending on your family’s race, ethnicity, and/or background, or your child’s gender, kids might feel personally impacted by a segment on the news. —

Ella Cerón, Parents, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for background

Recent Examples of Synonyms for background

Noun

Against that backdrop, there is hope that the presence of so much dry powder will signal an upturn in investment this year.

— Trevor Clawson, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Oh, and the backdrop for what Hunt has made look routine: short-yardage conversions.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2025