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

Once transmitted back to Earth, scientists will use Bayesian statistical methods alongside sky-response computer simulations to remove Galactic foreground emissions and instrument distortions. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026

This song features a kick drum throughout, and the boosted bass takes it from background timekeeping to foreground hammering. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

Shot in and around Glasgow in 2024, the film also gave Wright the opportunity to foreground the city as a specifically Scottish setting. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

At moments when public opinion is shifting in favor of legalization, cultural resources that foreground physical suffering and valorize choice and control often dominate public discourse, while also narrowing the frame of debate. — Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 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