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
Synonyms
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
Dr. Lisa Toppin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
While many of the characters are in both the film and the series, most are in the background in the movie but come into the foreground in the series, which goes deeper into their stories, Boss adds.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024
The Week, theweek, 31 Oct. 2024
These coaches are, of course, not alone in prioritizing empathy and foregrounding relationships—numerous scholars, practitioners, and consultants have stressed this point in recent years.
—Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
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
By putting the intention for learning in the foreground, the learning outcomes and work outcomes will be better.
—Dr. Lisa Toppin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
While many of the characters are in both the film and the series, most are in the background in the movie but come into the foreground in the series, which goes deeper into their stories, Boss adds.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024
Verb
Sign up The adaptation foregrounds two female characters, Irene and Fleur, whose fortunes are linked by one terrible incident, said Sarah Hemming in the Financial Times.
—The Week, theweek, 31 Oct. 2024
These coaches are, of course, not alone in prioritizing empathy and foregrounding relationships—numerous scholars, practitioners, and consultants have stressed this point in recent years.
—Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for foreground
Dictionary Entries Near foreground
Cite this Entry
“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share