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
Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 June 2026
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, 8 June 2026
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026
But for this audience member at least, that limited exposure served to foreground the human stakes — especially once Scanlon starts using an identical device to the one in Daniel’s possession to get inside the heads of people close to the fugitives able to disclose their whereabouts.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for foreground
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Noun
Under iOS 27, the new software Apple announced at the conference, the default Liquid Glass interface further diffuses background content to create more depth with foreground content, Shubham Kedia, Apple human interface director, said during the presentation.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 June 2026
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, 8 June 2026
Verb
Their films’ starkness has potentially overwhelming power but also risks foregrounding flaws of judgment and finish.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026
But for this audience member at least, that limited exposure served to foreground the human stakes — especially once Scanlon starts using an identical device to the one in Daniel’s possession to get inside the heads of people close to the fugitives able to disclose their whereabouts.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 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 17 Jun. 2026.
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