in the background
- behindAt the rear
- foregroundNearest visual plane
- distantFar away or aloof
- faintWeak and indistinct
- subtleNot immediately obvious
scenery · backdrop · ambient · peripheral · lurking · overlooked · secondary · supporting · unnoticed · quiet · wallpaper · noise · music · hum · shadowy · offscreen · blurred · soft
spatial position/visual prominence
in the backgroundfront and center
Prominent central position
in the spotlight · in the limelight · center of attention · up front · center stage
activity/participation level
in the backgroundin the thick of it
Fully engaged amid activity
at the helm · in the driver's seat · in the lead · front and center · taking charge