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
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Massive objects, like foreground galaxies, gravitationally distort any light traveling along their line-of-sight.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 6 Oct. 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
The more massive the planet, the brighter the lensed star becomes, and the bigger the gap between the brightening caused by the foreground star and then by the planet, the farther out the planet must be from its star.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Massive objects, like foreground galaxies, gravitationally distort any light traveling along their line-of-sight.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 6 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 2025.
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