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

Examples 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 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 Chairs and a turntable are in fact all the mise-en-scene Lloyd provides. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mise-en-scène
Noun
  • Look for handmade kids’ furniture, colorful vintage rugs, unique wall art, and all manner of head-turning decor at every possible price point.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Don't Commit to a Theme Christmas decor themes and color schemes are often looked at as a strict set of rules for decorating the entire house.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • On May 18, 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens emitted 1.5 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere while its pyroclastic lava flow incinerated virtually everything within a 230-square-mile radius.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Although drought is the most urgent threat, the Northeast is also broadly getting rainier as a result of climate change, because a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture.
    Denise Chow, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The closest lodging is about ten miles away in tiny Huntsville, and the nearest hub, with hotels, dining, and an après scene, is 30 minutes downvalley in Ogden.
    Sam Pfeifle, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
  • So while the photography is lovely and the horses are impressive, the show devolves into hour after hour of similar scenes and bland drama.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This conservative-leaning economic report ranks states on business climate and economic performance.
    Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Drivers reportedly complained about touchscreen systems adding in at times annoying levels of friction to simple functions like climate control and music.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Multiple fires are burning in Orange County, New York, where County Executive Steve Neuhaus spoke amid a backdrop of overhead-height flames late Sunday afternoon.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • And that moment of Rio using her knife to cut through the backdrop was pointing at that idea.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Taking Regular Breaks Schedule regular breaks, intermittent throughout your work schedule, to encourage you to take your eyes off the screen, stretch, go for a quick walk, or have a change of scenery.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The vibrant upstate New York scenery comes alive at Bristol—and on clear days, the Canandaigua Lake is visible from most chairlifts.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This elliptic curve has the most complicated set of rational solutions ever seen: Mathematicians need at least 29 independent points to characterize them.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
  • But Braun faced a unique set of challenges that made the race less straightforward for him.
    Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024

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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 22 Nov. 2024.

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