in the background
idiom
: 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
Yet the new version features the vast wealth of the Ellison family and the tech chops of Oracle in the background, spawning hope of a brighter future for traditional media in a challenging environment.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
The boys play and eat ice cream while this familiar song plays in the background.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
International peacekeepers managed traffic quietly in the background while families and businesses went about their routines with determination.
—Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Not only do a fair number have their own student loans that are still lingering in the background, many are also supporting their college age children.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the background
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.
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
The boys play and eat ice cream while this familiar song plays in the background.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
International peacekeepers managed traffic quietly in the background while families and businesses went about their routines with determination.
—Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Not only do a fair number have their own student loans that are still lingering in the background, many are also supporting their college age children.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the background
Cite this Entry
“In the background.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20background. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share