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
  • The restaurant’s design and decor are also connected to something close to many Polynesian hearts: sustainability.
    Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • As such, the Bower’s design integrates multiple elements from its past, like a few campy neon signs as well furnishings and decor inspired by Japanese wabi-sabi.
    Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The presence of luminaries such as Clive Davis and Quincy Jones as music chairmen, along with show producer George Schlatter, created an atmosphere of star power that rivals even the top entertainment industry awards shows.
    Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 15 Dec. 2024
  • In the thick atmosphere, stray dogs fight with seabirds for scraps of offal and urinate against the barrels of blood and salt water where waiting fish float.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Williams noted that the scene was included only after securing Appleton’s approval, reflecting on the industry pressures of the time.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Back at the laboratory, the company’s fixers are examining the gory scene left by Alice 2.0.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Other symptoms—like cold hands, cold feet, and pale skin—could easily be attributed to climate, lifestyle, or weather.
    Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Today’s top stories Weather, climate and environment A preservation group is suing the city of Whittier over its plan to raze more than 100 trees.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Economists, however, are closely monitoring whether consumers can maintain this level of support amid a backdrop of rising uncertainties including President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • All of this takes place against a stunning visual backdrop that is reminiscent of Villeneuve's two films but also sets the series apart, as befits a prequel.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Courtesy of Chloé Skye Weiser Winter is a great excuse to visit nearby towns for a change of scenery.
    Chloé Skye Weiser, Contributor, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
  • There was a riverboat cruise, and the scenery was amazing, especially in Pandora: The World of Avatar.
    Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Yet, his John Dutton was on the funeral set and even in the elegant coffin to remind everyone of the moment's gravity, director and executive producer Christina A. Voros tells USA TODAY.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Macaulay Culkin probably has a number of great stories from his time on set while working on Home Alone, but there's one that scarred him for life.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 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 27 Dec. 2024.

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