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
Indeed, one of the things the movies and TV always get wrong is that whenever there’s a scene in a restaurant the characters converse with barely a whisper in the background.
—
John Mariani, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Instead, this team thrives on depth, balance, and a dynamic supporting cast — a testament to the vision and bold moves executed by those pulling the strings in the background.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, distant galaxies glimmer in the background of the image.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
There are a few different recurring themes, like the cramped horizons facing women who want to devote themselves to sport as adults, and, always in the background, the inexorable passage of time.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in the background 
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.
John Mariani, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Instead, this team thrives on depth, balance, and a dynamic supporting cast — a testament to the vision and bold moves executed by those pulling the strings in the background.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, distant galaxies glimmer in the background of the image.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
There are a few different recurring themes, like the cramped horizons facing women who want to devote themselves to sport as adults, and, always in the background, the inexorable passage of time.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 2 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 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share