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

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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.
Trump asks at the start of the clip, which features soft piano music playing in the background. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 That to me is scary because most people would never think to check whether their TV box is sending traffic in the background. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 The ball in the net, the goalkeeper reacting, fans erupting in the background, and Messi already turning away with his arms raised. — Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 But there was another revolution taking place quietly in the background. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 2 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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