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
Synonyms
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
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025
The moon appears incredibly large in the foreground of the image since it is located much closer to Earth than Saturn, the sixth planet from the sun, which, by comparison, appears as nearly a speck behind the prominent natural satellite.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
Kamala Harris was neither a great candidate nor one who ran a stellar campaign, but the narrative sweep of future historians surely will foreground that debate.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for foreground 
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Noun
The final painting includes additional people and animals in the foreground but keeps the same sunlight breaking through distant clouds.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025
The moon appears incredibly large in the foreground of the image since it is located much closer to Earth than Saturn, the sixth planet from the sun, which, by comparison, appears as nearly a speck behind the prominent natural satellite.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
The show, which reified a kind of hapless, single-girl London life, while foregrounding larger themes of grief and family, was funny, dark, and unique to Waller-Bridge’s vision of the world.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
Kamala Harris was neither a great candidate nor one who ran a stellar campaign, but the narrative sweep of future historians surely will foreground that debate.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for foreground
Dictionary Entries Near foreground
Cite this Entry
“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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