Synonyms for

Background

Verb / ˈbæˌkgraʊnd / Another word for background — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer

Synonyms & similar words

desktop scope playdown downplay playup backdrop backgroundsignal backgroundknowledge ground screenbackground backcloth setting foreground setting surroundings environment backdrop context framework atmosphere ambience scenery surround backcloth backstop backing ground back rear behind bottom foundation

Synonyms by register

Formal

context setting environment backdrop

Informal

scene setup behind the scenes

Literary

tapestry canvas vista

Antonyms

foreground prominence center focus forefront lead

Common collocations

  • background check
  • background music
  • background noise
  • background story
  • background information
  • background image
  • background research
  • background radiation

Word family

noun background
adjective background

Usage note

The word 'background' can refer to the area behind the main subject, one's past experiences, or the context of an event. Be mindful of the specific meaning intended in different contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The mountains in the background looked majestic.
  2. The sky in the background was a beautiful shade of blue.
  3. The background music made the movie more enjoyable.
  4. The background noise was too loud to hear the conversation.
  5. The background information helped me understand the story better.

Quotes

  • The background is always the starting point of every painting.
  • In the background of your life, you must have a place for poetry.
  • I don't like to have too much information about a character in the background.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words