behind-the-scenes

adjective

be·​hind-the-scenes bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz 

bē-

1

: being or working out of public view or in secret

behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money

a behind-the-scenes player

2

: revealing or reporting the hidden workings

a behind-the-scenes account

a behind-the-scenes glimpse

Synonyms

• confidential
• esoteric
• hush-hush
• hushed
• inside
• intimate
• nonpublic
• private
• privy
• secret

Examples of behind-the-scenes in a Sentence

a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination

behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed

Recent Examples on the Web

Behind-the-meter deals also take a lot of behind-the-scenes work. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

There are also opportunities to take behind-the-scenes tours, attend shows like Disney on Broadway, partake in golf outings, or enjoy nature through fishing and horseback riding. —Ronny Maye, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025

The announcement lacks a couple key behind-the-scenes names from season two. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025

Despite having quite a number of collaborations under her belt, Jenner is noticeably keen on this newest partnership, taking to Instagram several times since the news broke to share candid selfies with the POSTER GIRL cofounders and playful behind-the-scenes moments. —Angela Lei, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for behind-the-scenes

• catecholamines
• phenothiazines
• alkenes
• amines
• benzenes
• canteens
• convenes
• cosines
• cuisines
• eumenes
• hellenes
• latrines