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

Relevance
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 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 Chairs and a turntable are in fact all the mise-en-scene Lloyd provides. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mise-en-scène
Noun
  • Family heirlooms along with vintage and antique pieces played a huge role in the decor, from a child’s chair from Emily’s aunt and her grandmother’s clover lace to a 19th-century calico quilt and a collection of Ravi Varma prints.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 21 Feb. 2025
  • People can be overwhelmed by some decor items and get stuck on how to design them within their homes.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The four-mile-long stretch of sand is often uncrowded, boasting a quiet atmosphere for ultimate relaxation.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The shoot was long, intense and hot, but Watkins and Green both credit the crew, their fellow actors and, happily, each other, for creating a collegiate atmosphere on set.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Yet his years behind the scenes of the drug’s development left him and his family disillusioned.
    Robin Fields, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
  • One of the newest attractions extending from Bangkok to the Khao Yai region is Art Forest, a public project intended to propel Thailand’s contemporary art scene into the center of the Southeast Asia spotlight.
    Lane Nieset, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Part of the study's task is defining a system to calculate the appropriate levies for each country, taking into account factors like the regulatory regime, the business climate, existing tariffs, and whether there's a VAT in place.
    Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025
  • On a corporate level, Amazon’s move to cancel cancel culture by hiring Brett Ratner to make a $40 million dollar documentary about Melania Trump, has the doc community questioning the future viability of social issue docs, particularly given the current political climate.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Alexandre guided Giles inside to a romantic area with a sparkling chandelier, red floral backdrop and red, draping curtains.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Tariffs, which act as a tax on foreign goods, could lead to higher prices, which are rarely if every welcomed by Americans, and having more import duties on the horizon comes against a backdrop of inflation flaring up once again.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The trial was no doubt a stark change of scenery for the musical artist who’s been living with his billionaire partner, traveling the world and setting up the next stage of his career.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The production, which runs 2-1/2 hour, fills the stage with elaborate dance numbers, so there’s not much in the way of scenery.
    Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Lopez and Affleck first began dating in 2002 after meeting on the set of Gigli.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The set is available in red and blue and comes with many cooking essentials, including pots, pans, stainless steel mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden turner and spoon.
    Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Entries

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Mise-en-scène.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mise-en-sc%C3%A8ne. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!