foreground

1 of 2

noun

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

foreground

2 of 2

verb

foregrounded; foregrounding; foregrounds

transitive verb

: to bring to the foreground

especially : to give prominence or emphasis to

Synonyms of foreground

Verb

• emphasize
• highlight
• stress
• feature

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

Noun

In one of the images, Holmes stands stiffly in the foreground against long tables filled with equipment, wearing a pristine white lab coat over her signature dark turtleneck. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

So when the foreground star passes almost exactly in front of the more distant one, its gravity bends some of the background star’s light toward you. — Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

Verb

Though the two nations have been separate and independent since the 19th century, Dominican nationalists often foreground a 22-year period from 1822 to 1844 when Haitian troops occupied the Dominican Republic. — Kendall Medford, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Where the Clinical Evidence Actually Lands on Biofeedback This is the segment vendors don’t foreground. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreground

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound

Kids Definition

foreground

noun

fore·​ground

ˈfō(ə)r-ˌgrau̇nd, 

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

: the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer