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

The macro becomes background noise while the work becomes the foreground. — Jason Sisneros, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Imagine one over Italy’s Mount Etna during a strombolian eruption or in Hawaii with Kilauea’s fountains in the foreground. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 July 2026

Verb

Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026

By foregrounding these credentials, such accounts implicitly credit established political connections and organizational base—rather than a single consultant’s strategy—as central to Pelosi’s rise. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 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