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

Depending on the perspective of the post, there might also be a bright manicure in the foreground and a 55-inch flat screen in the back. —Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 8 Nov. 2025

Use large cultivars to back up smaller Japanese maples and smaller cultivars as a burst of color in the foreground. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025

Verb

Rather than drive viewers to keep watching, cliffhanger endings can accidentally foreground inaction in the preceding hour. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025

Here, the effort is foregrounded. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025

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