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
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
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, 15 Aug. 2025
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025
Yet, as always, the state museum’s curators have adapted the touring show to foreground themes of interest to Texans.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for foreground
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Noun
Starting pitcher Nick Pivetta #43 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the foreground against the New York Mets during the MLB Little League Classic BB&T Ballpark on August 19, 2018 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
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, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
Smith’s intervention foregrounds the absence of Black women in both feminist and Black nationalist traditions and, in doing so, creates epistemic space for subsequent scholars to define Black feminist thought as a distinct intellectual tradition.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2025
Yet, as always, the state museum’s curators have adapted the touring show to foreground themes of interest to Texans.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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