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
Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Now astronomers have traced dark matter’s ghostly contours in the foreground of one of JWST’s deep-sky images.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 25 Jan. 2026
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Her humanity is foregrounded, and Lloyd Parry avoids sensationalism by honing in on his strengths; his knowledge of the culture and justice system of both Japan and England and his ability to communicate the foibles and quirks of both.
—Rebecca Hannigan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
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Noun
The Tencent logo is displayed on the exterior of a building at the company’s headquarters, with a surveillance camera visible in the foreground, on November 30, 2024, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Now astronomers have traced dark matter’s ghostly contours in the foreground of one of JWST’s deep-sky images.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
Seven Kingdoms, by contrast, foregrounds its humor.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Her humanity is foregrounded, and Lloyd Parry avoids sensationalism by honing in on his strengths; his knowledge of the culture and justice system of both Japan and England and his ability to communicate the foibles and quirks of both.
—Rebecca Hannigan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foreground
Cite this Entry
“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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