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Definitions

behind-the-scenes

[bih-hahynd thuh seenz] / bɪˈhaɪnd ðə ˈsinz /
ADJECTIVE
in the background
Synonyms
WEAK
backstage behind the curtain in a corner in secret in the dark out of public view sub-rosa
ADJECTIVE
secret
Synonyms
WEAK
backstage behind the curtain in a corner in the background in the dark sub-rosa under-the-table
behind the scenes
ADJECTIVE
private
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confidential exclusive independent individual secret separate special
STRONG
closet inside particular privy
WEAK
clandestine close to one's chest discreet hush-hush hushed nonpublic not open off the record own reserved under one's hat unofficial
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common known public
WEAK
open revealed sociable unconcealed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Away from the camera, Muldoon - who had a band called The Sleeping Masses - also worked behind the scenes, producing films such as The Tribes of Palos Verdes, Arkansas and Marlowe.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Often we are working behind the scenes, trying to engage and impress our philosophy on management and the board.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

At the same time, another kind of interpretation was taking shape behind the scenes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Earle told the outlet, “That was, behind the scenes, a little bit of a hot mess.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Although Charles continued to direct the battle for evolution behind the scenes and work on new books for his publisher, what gave him the most pleasure was doing experiments with his orchids and other plants.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman