behind 1 of 4

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

behind

3 of 4

adjective

behind

4 of 4

noun

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
Consider ‘resort time’ Maldives (MVT) is 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time. Shradha Shahani, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 Named The Enclave at Farmington River, the complex would be built across sections of an 80-acre vacant parcel behind the Riverbend assisted living center. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Adverb
In the wake of Nancy’s murder, Mary discovers evidence of the affair, including a poem that Howard had previously written — with a particular phrase underlined — in the scrapbook that Nancy left behind and a ring belonging to Nancy hidden in Howard’s closet. Max Gao, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 Teammate Colton Hubbard followed closely behind, shooting 4-over and finishing tied for 17th as an individual. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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
Buffalo entered Saturday with 19 come-from-behind wins, tied for seventh in the NHL. ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026 The Kansas City Current’s feel-good, come-from-behind home victory to open the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season feels like ages ago. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behind
Preposition
  • After all, in Game 3, Banchero made a game-clinching 3 in the final minute that bounded high off the back of the rim and miraculously fell through.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Luis Díaz has the ball in the back of the net.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Carolyn Hax started her Washington Post advice column in 1997, after five years on the Style desk and none as a therapist.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 15 May 2026
  • Their immediate challenge is that the ruling came down well after filing deadlines for this year’s primary elections — and in some cases, after those primary elections have been held.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Wagner already missed 48 games during the regular season while working his way back from injury, and the caution surrounding his current calf strain is understandable given the risk associated with rushing that type of issue.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Ryan shot back, quoting a soldier from the CBS report, that telling the truth is important.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Republicans narrowly control Congress and the agenda, but with the challenge of locking down enough of their own members after a delayed vote, Democratic votes will likely come into play — and the rare opportunity for leverage as the minority party.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Greece’s farming sector faces mounting strain, with weeks of protests triggered by delayed subsidy payments tied to the investigation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The 20,062-seat stadium has a Petco Park vibe, from the artwork and nods to the team’s history located throughout the stadium.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In advance of the Florida Legislature meeting next week to redraw congressional districts, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is decrying the move as a partisan effort to eliminate Democratic seats.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Two of their toes point inward and two point rearward with sharp pointed claws.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2025
  • When moved rearward, the driver-side mattress folds and the front part of the bed base telescopes inside the larger rear section so the dinette can be expanded and used comfortably up front.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Learning a lesson, this time Khan moved up from 53 to 47 using a fourth-round pick (135) and a late-round pick swap to land Alabama receiver Germie Bernard.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • As such, there was an STS-113, which launched aboard space shuttle Endeavour in 2002, but not before having to make late crew changes due to medical issues.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The president and king wore tails and white waistcoats.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The table revealed that an ovoid body—blunt nose, tapering tail—came closer to aerodynamic perfection than anything else a designer could draw.
    Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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