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
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.
But the vaguest sense of political instability hums in the background of the Paivas’ sandy idyll. David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025 Similar to Google's Magic Eraser, Clean Up can identify and remove unwanted or distracting objects in the background of the photo without changing the subject. Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025 For many Boise-area residents, trash disposal just happens in the background. Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 19 Jan. 2025 Jacksboro High School’s baseball field can also be seen in the background. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Jan. 2025 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 27 Jan. 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!