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
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025
The real problem is that for all the time spent on the technological back end and the philosophical foundations, Brooker’s lost sight of his foreground.
—Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
The Dial, 6 May 2025
Disability has been foregrounded in both the defense of Medicaid and in the efforts to push back on the elimination of the Department of Education.
—Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foreground
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Noun
Astrophotographers used a tried and tested technique: framing foreground objects in front of the moon and zooming in on both subjects using a long lens.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025
The real problem is that for all the time spent on the technological back end and the philosophical foundations, Brooker’s lost sight of his foreground.
—Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
Politicians are rewarded for their public performances more than their policy, the media chases scoops and buzzy headlines and the rest of the internet foregrounds outrageous takes and coarse speech.
—The Dial, 6 May 2025
Disability has been foregrounded in both the defense of Medicaid and in the efforts to push back on the elimination of the Department of Education.
—Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 5 May 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 29 May. 2025.
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