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
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Gravitational lensing occurs when a large galaxy in the foreground of an observation enlarges a distant galaxy behind it, acting like a cosmic magnifying glass.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Kelly Presutti,
ARTnews.com,
26 June 2026
Sonically, Hazel Eyes is said to blend baroque pop, British folk, outlaw country and left-field R&B while foregrounding Smith’s signature vocal performances and intimate songwriting.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for foreground
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Noun
The telescope will be used to observe the radio sky at frequencies below 50 MHz and will measure the low-frequency foreground of the universe.
—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Gravitational lensing occurs when a large galaxy in the foreground of an observation enlarges a distant galaxy behind it, acting like a cosmic magnifying glass.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Verb
Go-Sam outlines Australia’s attempt to create a home for Indigenous cultural materials and a National Resting Place for unprovenanced and low-provenanced ancestral remains, foregrounding the complexity of relying on architecture to reconcile past harms.
—
Kelly Presutti,
ARTnews.com,
26 June 2026
Sonically, Hazel Eyes is said to blend baroque pop, British folk, outlaw country and left-field R&B while foregrounding Smith’s signature vocal performances and intimate songwriting.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
24 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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