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, 9 Jan. 2026
Something has to bring certain books to the foreground, because there’s no way to have an even playing field.
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Rebecca Hannigan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Kirana, the resort’s all-day restaurant, foregrounds Balinese and wider Indonesian cuisine.
—Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foreground
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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, 9 Jan. 2026
Something has to bring certain books to the foreground, because there’s no way to have an even playing field.
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Her humanity is foregrounded, and Lloyd Parry avoids sensationalism by honing in on his strengths; his knowledge of the culture and justice system of both Japan and England and his ability to communicate the foibles and quirks of both.
—Rebecca Hannigan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Kirana, the resort’s all-day restaurant, foregrounds Balinese and wider Indonesian cuisine.
—Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 30 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 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share