behind 1 of 4

preposition

Definition of behindnext
1
as in back of
at, to, or toward the rear of she preferred to be behind the lead hikers, who were always too much in a rush to enjoy the scenery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order we arrived behind them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

behind

2 of 4

adverb

as in back

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

behind

3 of 4

adjective

bi-ˈhīnd How to pronounce behind (audio)
as in delayed
not arriving, occurring, or settled at the due, usual, or proper time the required work was behind, so now we're running late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

behind

4 of 4

noun

ˈbē-ˌhīnd How to pronounce behind (audio)
as in seat
the part of the body upon which someone sits cleaned the baby's behind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 behind
Preposition
From land to sea, each dish is presented with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the ingredients and artistry behind every plate. — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The scientific evidence behind that idea, however, is inconclusive. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Adverb
In the thick mud outside his home, 13-year-old Sushant was searching for whatever the flood had left behind. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026 Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers finally released to the public in 2023 in two colorways, but there was one style — a two-tone white-and-red spin on the classic model — that straggled behind. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The chefs are running super-behind, so service is slow. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Like the scrappy bird in their nickname, the tenacious Toronto Blue Jays have clawed their way to 45 come-from-behind victories – most in the major leagues – and 87 overall, tops in the American League with under two weeks left in the 2025 campaign. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
Green Dot has been handed a new group of far-behind students every single year. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 Following a behind-schedule and over-budget redevelopment by Transport for London, the roundabout was replaced last year with a byzantine road and cycle lane layout which, peppered with traffic lights, causes constant congestion in the area. — Ian King, CNBC, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
  1. back of
  2. after
  3. back
  4. delayed
  5. seat
  6. rearward
  7. late
  8. tail
Preposition
  • One of Ted Bundy is trapped behind a pane of glass at the back of the bar.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Whisper Man also comes on the back of another Netflix horror movie, The Last House.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of back of
Preposition
  • Currently, free agency begins five days after the World Series, with no expiration on when players can sign.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Billie is a pro at this by now, which extends to wingman-ing, but Issa totally lost her skills after being out of the game so long.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of after
Adverb
  • Michael Mankins and Matthew Crupi want value maximization back as the objective, with stakeholder commitments as hard or soft constraints.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This is where the episode finally loops back on itself, with the recruiter laying out a black hole on the ground, revealing the mall to be a kind of pocket universe.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of back
Adjective
  • After Tuesday’s practice, Purdy detailed how a delayed throw to Luke Farrell got intercepted by linebacker Del-Shawn Phillips off near the goal line.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Real Problem Is The Ripple A delayed flight is easy to detect.
    — Ishraq Khan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of delayed
Noun
  • Costco is an awkward exhibit for putting shareholder-value maximization in the driver’s seat.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • As Democrats work to defend the Michigan Senate seat, their nominee apologizes for comments about a synagogue attack.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of seat
Adverb
  • The floor plan centers around a single- or dual-seat lounge that faces rearward to provide views through the open entryway.
    — C.C. Weiss May 07, New Atlas, 7 May 2026
  • Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of rearward
Adjective
  • Many questions are set to be answered on Tuesday, and The Athletic will bring you all the latest through our dedicated live coverage.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • At this late juncture in the season, the instability of the Akira One’s revolving-door crew is taking its toll.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of late
Noun
  • In many cases, the robot tail wags the living dog by tricking it—tricking us—into caring about obscure metrics, then gamifying the process of improving them.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Then, in 2023, as NASA brought the worm out of retirement, the logo regained its place on the tail, and the insignia (meatball) was moved to the body under the cockpits.
    — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of tail

Phrases Containing behind

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behests
behind
behind bars
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Cite this Entry

“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on behind

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about behind

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