Synonyms of background

background

noun

ˈbak-ˌ(g)rau̇nd 

1

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

• backdrop
• scene
• scenery
• ground
• stage
• environment
• setting
• set
• surroundings
• milieu
• mise-en-scène
• entourage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• center
• foreground
• heart
• focus
• focal point

2

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

• setting
• scene
• backdrop
• set
• locale
• scenery
• tableau
• mise-en-scène

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of background

Published Wednesday, the report surveyed more than 4,000 U.S. residents from different backgrounds and political persuasions. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2025

Cobb is a former ROH Television Champion and represented Guam in amateur wrestling at the 2004 Summer Olympics, showcasing his diverse background in combat sports. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

It was envisioned as a catalyst for world peace by connecting people from different cultural backgrounds. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025

The president is out there dismantling the Atlantic security alliance against Russia that at least half of the GOP's Senate caucus spent their careers loudly supporting—and without much more pushback than some grumbling on background with reporters. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025