mise-en-scène

1
as in decor
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production an era in which the mise-en-scène of Broadway musicals became ever more spectacular

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in atmosphere
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the movie captures the mise-en-scène of strife and desperation in a country torn apart by civil war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mise-en-scène distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mise-en-scène are background, environment, milieu, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," 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 background be used to replace mise-en-scène?

The synonyms background and mise-en-scène are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When can environment be used instead of mise-en-scène?

The words environment and mise-en-scène are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can milieu take the place of mise-en-scène?

While in some cases nearly identical to mise-en-scène, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When might setting be a better fit than mise-en-scène?

Although the words setting and mise-en-scène have much in common, 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

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 mise-en-scène The mise-en-scene towards the end feels clumsy, even a bit limp, and the plotting becomes forced. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025 The back and forth feels distracting rather than revealing at times, a showy move that feels out of step with the overall mise-en-scene. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2024 Andersson’s mise-en-scene owes some obvious debts to the likes of Tati and Fellini, but his tragicomic deadpan remains entirely his own. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 The full mise-en-scene of Biles, Lee, Chiles, Carey, and Rivera wearing their final look beneath a cascade of red, white, and blue confetti communicated a distinct narrative from Minneapolis’ central arena where the games were held. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 2 July 2024 And last night, between 50th and 49th Street, a festive spectacle took place as Saks Fifth Avenue and Dior unveiled their mesmerizing mise-en-scene window display, Dior’s Carousel of Dreams at Saks. Maia Torres, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 But the mise-en-scene suffers inexplicably and lacks resonance with our more recent era. Bonnie Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2023 Here, an amusing if chaotic mise-en-scene is what’s at center stage. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2023 Chairs and a turntable are in fact all the mise-en-scene Lloyd provides. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mise-en-scène
Noun
  • While contemporary decor is often characterized by extra breathing space on walls and surfaces, this can become the perfect opportunity for displaying heirlooms.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Fashion and interiors have long influenced each other’s color palettes: oxblood, for example, is also having a home decor moment, whereas Art Deco architecture impacted both clothing and jewelry in the 1920s.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, the stage remained in orbit for nearly three weeks before falling back into the atmosphere on February 19, scattering debris fragments at several locations in Poland.
    Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The atmosphere is upscale and inviting, with a great drink selection featuring plenty of bourbons and craft cocktails.
    Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • One shell casing was recovered at the scene, police sources said.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Investigators and deputies with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office were at the scene, along with police dogs trained to uncover human bodies, after the blaze.
    Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s executive order promoting timber production, meanwhile, would be devastating for the climate, critics say.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
  • So despite the climate of the world, because the climate is always going to change.
    Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Against this backdrop, Bernstein is focusing on quality stocks that can find growth ahead.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The game was of course played to a backdrop of tragedy with the first team’s doctor Carles Minarro passing away on Saturday and causing the postponement of a La Liga encounter with Osasuna.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Survey the scenery from atop the 187-foot-high SkyWheel.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Attracted by factors such as Petco Park, competitive and interesting Padres teams (and their opponents), baseball itself, the desire for social connection to something larger and San Diego’s climate/coastal scenery, many folks are willing to pay for tickets, food, drink, parking and merchandise.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This is a standard defense in commercial litigation and contends a party that voluntarily accepts a set of business and economic policies should not later sue over them.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The subscription covers a set of core services, with additional charges for any overages.
    Gegham Azatyan, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mise-en-scène.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mise-en-sc%C3%A8ne. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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