upstage

Outshine another performer

Upstage originally refers to the back of a theater stage, away from the audience.

An actor positioned upstage forces others to turn their backs to the audience to face them—a trick that steals focus.

From this comes the common meaning: to divert attention from someone by outshining them.

The bride's sister upstaged her by announcing her pregnancy at the reception.

As an adjective, upstage can mean haughty or aloof.

overshadow

outshine

Exceed in brilliance

eclipseCelestial body blocks another
overshadowDominate by comparison
steal thunderPreempt someone's moment

outperform · surpass · outdo · outclass · dwarf · diminish · obscure · one-up · trump · transcend

theatrical

spotlight

Concentrated illumination source

scene-stealingOutperforming others onstage
blockingImpeding forward progress
wingsLimbs for flight

entrance · exit · cue · proscenium · curtain · backstage · ensemble · soliloquy · monologue · diva

ego

vanity

Excessive pride in oneself

arroganceExcessive self-importance
narcissismExcessive admiration of oneself
self-importanceExaggerated sense of significance

grandstanding · showboating · attention-seeking · prima donna · diva · hubris · smugness · preening · posturing · swagger

rivalry

scene-stealing

Outperforming others onstage

competitionStruggle for supremacy
jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure

one-upmanship · vying · showdown · feud · tension · pecking order · billing · top billing · marquee · star turn

north

back

Reverse side; support

rearBack portion or raise
awayNot in this location
backstageTheater's hidden area

upwind · northern · furthest · distant · background

Categories

theater termsplay, actors, limelight, directing, drama
dance movespirouette, shimmy, waltz, tango, cha-cha
performingperform, sing, play, act, dance
stand outshine, excel, outshine, eclipse, surpass
stagecraftbackstage, wings, wing, proscenium, forestage
theater jargonbackstage, curtain call, dress rehearsal, greenroom, opening night

Opposites

attention-seeking behavior

upstagesupport

To uphold or sustain

give credit · step back · play second fiddle · boost · celebrate

theatrical stage position

upstagedownstage

Toward the audience

apron · forestage

social demeanor

upstageapproachable

Easy to engage with

warm · down-to-earth · humble · friendly · unpretentious

Family

upstaged, upstages, upstaging, upstager, upstagers

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G