in the background

phrase

: 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.
On television, ads for UCLA Health show up behind the Dodgers’ home plate and in the background when Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ quarterback, speaks after a game. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 The television ad begins with a dark video of an empty swing and the faint sound of children’s voices in the background, then shifts to footage of vacant pews inside a church. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026 Anxiety can persist in the background, even when there is no immediate situation demanding your attention. — Kriti Kumar, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Tonight’s Venus cazimi could reconnect you with an interest, talent, or desire that has been changing quietly in the background. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the background

Rhymes for in the background

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Browse Nearby Words

in the ascendant
in the background
in the bag
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Cite this Entry

“In the background.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20background. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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