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
Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Those branches coming off in the foreground to Maximus’ left?
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
The intent is to foreground and amplify the story’s scandalous underpinnings, which, in all fairness, were loosely veiled to begin with.
—The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 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
In some of the works, the photo of the African landscape appears in the background while the color simulacrum appears in the foreground.
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Those branches coming off in the foreground to Maximus’ left?
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Iraqi characters, for their part, are neither foregrounded nor forgotten.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
The intent is to foreground and amplify the story’s scandalous underpinnings, which, in all fairness, were loosely veiled to begin with.
—The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 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 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share