mise-en-scène

1
as in decor
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production an era in which the mise-en-scène of Broadway musicals became ever more spectacular

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in atmosphere
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded the movie captures the mise-en-scène of strife and desperation in a country torn apart by civil war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mise-en-scène distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mise-en-scène are background, environment, milieu, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could background be used to replace mise-en-scène?

The synonyms background and mise-en-scène are sometimes interchangeable, but background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When can environment be used instead of mise-en-scène?

The words environment and mise-en-scène are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

In what contexts can milieu take the place of mise-en-scène?

While in some cases nearly identical to mise-en-scène, milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

When might setting be a better fit than mise-en-scène?

Although the words setting and mise-en-scène have much in common, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

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 mise-en-scène The mise-en-scene towards the end feels clumsy, even a bit limp, and the plotting becomes forced. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025 The mise-en-scene towards the end feels clumsy, even a bit limp, and the plotting becomes forced. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025 The back and forth feels distracting rather than revealing at times, a showy move that feels out of step with the overall mise-en-scene. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2024 Andersson’s mise-en-scene owes some obvious debts to the likes of Tati and Fellini, but his tragicomic deadpan remains entirely his own. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 The full mise-en-scene of Biles, Lee, Chiles, Carey, and Rivera wearing their final look beneath a cascade of red, white, and blue confetti communicated a distinct narrative from Minneapolis’ central arena where the games were held. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 2 July 2024 And last night, between 50th and 49th Street, a festive spectacle took place as Saks Fifth Avenue and Dior unveiled their mesmerizing mise-en-scene window display, Dior’s Carousel of Dreams at Saks. Maia Torres, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 But the mise-en-scene suffers inexplicably and lacks resonance with our more recent era. Bonnie Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2023 Here, an amusing if chaotic mise-en-scene is what’s at center stage. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mise-en-scène
Noun
  • Here are seven easy bedroom decor ideas to welcome your bedroom into its spring era—just in time, because your new wardrobe rotation is going to need a worthy photo backdrop.
    Glamour, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Choose between dark gray or khaki to complement your other outdoor decor.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Project Drawdown is renowned for identifying and promoting practical climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The process not only ushered in uncharacteristic darkness, but unveiled the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And the 2000s indie scene belongs to the Garden State soundtrack.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The next scene reveals that the cowboys sent out to find Jack have discovered his body on the trail.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • By Alexandra York and Zoya Hasan, Forbes Staff Resourcefulness, self-sufficiency and invention are the keys to success in today’s competitive business climate.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Normal snow range is the three-decade averages of climate normals from 1991-2020.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Though the difference in size can be hard to spot with the naked eye, the moon’s striking glow created a stunning backdrop for photographers and moon lovers alike.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Before there was Downton Abbey, the seminal series — set at the turn of the 20th century across nearly three decades of Edwardian England — traced the lives of the fortunate Bellamy family and its servants, set against the backdrop of the era’s sociopolitical upheaval.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The course offers spectacular views of the medieval city center and equally stunning natural scenery to finish at the Olympic Stadium.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Outside, guests can soak up the tropical scenery from the rooftop terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In January, King Gizzard were also listed on the lineup for the 2025 edition of Bonnaroo, performing three sets over three days as part of the inaugural ‘Roo Residency.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But Amazon piles all the costs of holding sets and holding actors into [the Season 1] budget.
    Michael Ausiello, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mise-en-scène.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mise-en-sc%C3%A8ne. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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