BACKDROP Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

backdrop

noun

ˈbak-ˌdräp

Definition of backdrop

as in background

the physical conditions or features that form the setting against which something is viewed visitors dine at the restaurant with a dramatic stretch of the Pacific Ocean as a jaw-dropping backdrop

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of backdrop Against a backdrop resembling a party convention, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico delivered what his campaign called a major policy speech. — Jack Fink, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Set the backdrop for the dog days of summer with the Criterion Channel’s Southern Gothic programming. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 On Wednesday, shares jumped more than 4% on an earnings beat despite a soft residential backdrop. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 Even moderate El Niños temporarily warm global temperatures; a strong El Niño alongside the backdrop of climate change will likely push global heat records to new heights. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backdrop

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backdrop

background

Noun

Skilled Photoshop artists spent years mastering masking, selections and retouching techniques, only to watch AI remove a complex background with a single click.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026
Stephanie Gavan is a freelance writer and editor from Liverpool with a background in contemporary art and a deep affection for Italy, having spent years living among the canals of Venice.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of background

Browse Nearby Words

back down

backdrop

backdrops

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Backdrop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backdrop. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of backdrop

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on backdrop

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

anecdote

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes