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
Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
In another image, bright stars from our own Milky Way shine in the foreground, while a sea of distant reddish galaxies speckle the background.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
The capsule continues to foreground the use of regionally characteristic materials such as jade, cinnabar, porcelain, and Asian cultural symbols like 玄武 (the Black Tortoise) and 青龙 (the Azure Dragon).
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
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
The shirts show a prison building and guard tower with an alligator and python in the foreground.
—Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
In another image, bright stars from our own Milky Way shine in the foreground, while a sea of distant reddish galaxies speckle the background.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
Indeed, the restaurant strikes me as a perfect choice for solo dining: belly up to the bar for a glass from the strong wine list, which foregrounds small producers, and order something to nibble on, or dive into, or bask in.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
The capsule continues to foreground the use of regionally characteristic materials such as jade, cinnabar, porcelain, and Asian cultural symbols like 玄武 (the Black Tortoise) and 青龙 (the Azure Dragon).
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 12 June 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 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share