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
Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
As for the tourists, their van pulls up, far in the background of a long shot that gazes through the grand lobby of the hotel—where, in the foreground, a small folk orchestra of blind musicians, accompanied by a dance troupe’s festive gyrations, provides a showy welcome.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Her campaign foregrounds her interest in the economic development of the district, her background in the provision of mental health services and notes her environmental bona fides and her master’s degree in wildlife science, which would be an interesting addition to the Springfield Democrats.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
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
And third, the center of the nebula is obscure, with what looks like a wispy cloud in the foreground blocking us from seeing the central star itself.
—Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
As for the tourists, their van pulls up, far in the background of a long shot that gazes through the grand lobby of the hotel—where, in the foreground, a small folk orchestra of blind musicians, accompanied by a dance troupe’s festive gyrations, provides a showy welcome.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
And this strikingly immediate version foregrounds intimacy and texture.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Her campaign foregrounds her interest in the economic development of the district, her background in the provision of mental health services and notes her environmental bona fides and her master’s degree in wildlife science, which would be an interesting addition to the Springfield Democrats.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foreground
Cite this Entry
“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
