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
Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Then the chandelier behind was real explosions, the camera team moving the dolly in sequence with Alex [Lawther] acting in the foreground of the whole thing going off in what was essentially one or two seconds.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Safdie’s presentation of these comments foregrounds Mark’s understanding of what’s profound, and profoundly disturbing, about mixed martial arts, and perhaps all martial arts—the channelling and professionalizing of brutality.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foreground
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Noun
Beer bottles litter the foreground, blunt emblems of drunk driving.
—Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Then the chandelier behind was real explosions, the camera team moving the dolly in sequence with Alex [Lawther] acting in the foreground of the whole thing going off in what was essentially one or two seconds.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
France said Combs’s team is similarly foregrounding his cultural significance to Black America, shifting attention from the charges to his legacy.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Safdie’s presentation of these comments foregrounds Mark’s understanding of what’s profound, and profoundly disturbing, about mixed martial arts, and perhaps all martial arts—the channelling and professionalizing of brutality.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2025.
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