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, 4 Jan. 2026
The space telescope's primary science goals include studying dark energy, mapping dark matter and discovering thousands of exoplanets via gravitational microlensing, in which a massive foreground object bends the light of a background star, temporarily magnifying it like a lens.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2026
Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
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
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, 4 Jan. 2026
The space telescope's primary science goals include studying dark energy, mapping dark matter and discovering thousands of exoplanets via gravitational microlensing, in which a massive foreground object bends the light of a background star, temporarily magnifying it like a lens.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
Kirana, the resort’s all-day restaurant, foregrounds Balinese and wider Indonesian cuisine.
—Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for foreground
Cite this Entry
“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
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