1
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace
a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clandestine
undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others
behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 behind-the-scenes
Just keep your passion in the music, and don’t let the behind-the-scenes mess up your your [ability] to stay focused on the music.
—
Annie Harrigan, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2026
In conversations with The Athletic this spring, players explained the unexpected behind-the-scenes dynamic.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Viewers won’t see the behind-the-scenes inner workings, of course.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
The behind-the-scenes push and pull over the Gauge shows Nielsen having to cater to a new generation of customers — companies like Amazon, Roku and Netflix — that can be just as challenging as traditional clients like CBS, Fox and NBC.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind-the-scenes
Annie Harrigan, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2026
In conversations with The Athletic this spring, players explained the unexpected behind-the-scenes dynamic.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Viewers won’t see the behind-the-scenes inner workings, of course.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
The behind-the-scenes push and pull over the Gauge shows Nielsen having to cater to a new generation of customers — companies like Amazon, Roku and Netflix — that can be just as challenging as traditional clients like CBS, Fox and NBC.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind-the-scenes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind-the-scenes
Adjective
-
Yet according to confidential banking records and corporate documents reviewed by the Miami Herald, this unassuming address is one of several South Florida locations at the center of a sprawling financial network that moved at least $260 million connected to Argentina’s top soccer authority.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
McGraw Media agreed to remove all content from the documentary-style series that the department designates as inaccurate or confidential, that the NYPD is legally prohibited from releasing, that reveals investigatory techniques or that would otherwise compromise public safety or the public trust.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Pozo de Vargas is considered the largest clandestine mass grave of Argentina’s last dictatorship with the remains of 149 people recovered from the site.—
Débora Rey,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The Pozo de Vargas is considered the largest clandestine mass grave of Argentina’s last dictatorship with the remains of 149 people recovered from the site.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The court’s comments came from a case brought by the Miami Herald that challenged keeping a portion of a grand jury’s report secret.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
To acknowledge reality is to cease to be Liza Minnelli, and the secret self revealed in these pages has disappointingly few insights to share.—
Matt Weinstock,
New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Law enforcement officials said the officer was ambushed by two gunmen and shot while driving an unmarked white Tesla while working on an undercover investigation.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Owners cited undercover consumers known to visit establishments in search of those airing content without licenses.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Mecklenburg County commissioners voted just last week to officially remove the county’s previous rules on private pool rentals to reflect the change in state law.—
Mary Ramsey
March 25,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The diplomats spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose private negotiations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts.—
Mehera Bonner,
Marie Claire,
15 Mar. 2017
Adjective
-
Her covert affair with Davis became big news when a Chicago gossip columnist wrote a detailed account of their relationship in early 1958, including their plans to wed, despite their denials.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2026
-
While Iran is not known to have any interests in Uganda, it has been accused of covert operations in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, including the running of smuggling networks and making controversial diplomatic and economic outreach with questionable motives throughout the region.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Boring Company unveiled its first underground loop project, the Las Vegas Loop, in 2021.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Its features include a 1,200-square-foot cabana, which connects to the mansion via a private underground tunnel, and a 150-foot dock extending from the lawn.—
Megan Vaz,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Behind-the-scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind-the-scenes. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
