fore·ground
ˈfȯr-ˌgrau̇nd 
1
: the part of a scene or representation that is nearest to and in front of the spectator
Objects in the foreground seem larger than those in the background.
2
: a position of prominence : forefront
We want this issue to be in the foreground.
3
: a level of computer processing at which the processor responds immediately to input to a designated high-priority task compare background
foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds
: to bring to the foreground
especially
: to give prominence or emphasis to
Examples of foreground in a Sentence
Noun
We want the issue to be in the foreground.
Verb
Public discussion has foregrounded the issue of health care.
repeatedly foregrounded his experience in international affairs in the course of his campaign for the presidency
Recent Examples on the Web
Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 May 2025
In the foreground, the robe du soir in black silk velvet with encrustations of white silk duchesse was designed in 1896.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 7 May 2025
The Dial, 6 May 2025
Disability has been foregrounded in both the defense of Medicaid and in the efforts to push back on the elimination of the Department of Education.
—Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foreground
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.
Noun
From the skydeck of the hotel, a night shelter for the homeless sits in the foreground.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 May 2025
In the foreground, the robe du soir in black silk velvet with encrustations of white silk duchesse was designed in 1896.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 7 May 2025
Verb
Politicians are rewarded for their public performances more than their policy, the media chases scoops and buzzy headlines and the rest of the internet foregrounds outrageous takes and coarse speech.
—The Dial, 6 May 2025
Disability has been foregrounded in both the defense of Medicaid and in the efforts to push back on the elimination of the Department of Education.
—Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foreground
Cite this Entry
“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share