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 Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
The congregation writhes, sometimes in unison, and whirls and stomps; at one point, a line of folks snake through a doorway and into the foreground, as the camera rotates in the opposite direction.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2025
Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
And women who foreground themselves in any capacity are often perceived to be self-important drama queens, or narcissists.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foreground
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Noun
It was designed to be incorporated into a three-dimensional exhibit where the canvas would blend into a foreground of clay, grass shrubbery, and the detritus of battle – all of it creating a you-were-there sense of reality.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
The congregation writhes, sometimes in unison, and whirls and stomps; at one point, a line of folks snake through a doorway and into the foreground, as the camera rotates in the opposite direction.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2025
Verb
The facility’s security regime is at the lowest level in the federal system, but his account of prison life foregrounds razor wire and the prospect of rape.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
And women who foreground themselves in any capacity are often perceived to be self-important drama queens, or narcissists.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 2025.
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