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
Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 May 2026
That change is one reason stylists have moved so visibly into the foreground.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 27 May 2026
The result of that impromptu and wildly generative session, Rain Music, foregrounds each musician’s strengths—Niño’s verdant and atmospheric percussion lines, Timothy’s nesting-doll chords and ambient-minded constructions—without ever playing favorites.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for foreground
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
In the foreground, the hardware of the space station stands rigid in space, the station's solar panels extended as the outpost orbits hundreds of miles above Earth.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 28 May 2026
That change is one reason stylists have moved so visibly into the foreground.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Verb
While Elliott became the cast’s newest addition, Demi Moore was foregrounded as a major player, with her character Cami Miller taking up the mantle of MTEX CEO following her husband’s sudden death in Season 1.
—Kai Naima Williams, Variety, 27 May 2026
The result of that impromptu and wildly generative session, Rain Music, foregrounds each musician’s strengths—Niño’s verdant and atmospheric percussion lines, Timothy’s nesting-doll chords and ambient-minded constructions—without ever playing favorites.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 22 May 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 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
