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
Hanna Park, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The song remains driven by a trend featuring two or more people, with one creator lip-synching in the foreground and others dancing or acting out a scene in the background.
—Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 9 Jan. 2025
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025
The proposal foregrounds the most vulnerable road users — 20 out of 32 people who died in 2024 were walking or biking, and two more were on electric scooters.
—Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for foreground 
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Noun
The art of finding locations In many of Kim’s photographs, bleak cityscapes loom in the background, while lively leisurely pursuits take place in the foreground, producing a stark contrast between the pressures of daily life and the moments of joy that punctuate it.
—Hanna Park, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The song remains driven by a trend featuring two or more people, with one creator lip-synching in the foreground and others dancing or acting out a scene in the background.
—Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
Perhaps that sounds didactic; rest assured that her novels foreground richly specific narratives about individual characters.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 14 Jan. 2025
The proposal foregrounds the most vulnerable road users — 20 out of 32 people who died in 2024 were walking or biking, and two more were on electric scooters.
—Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 4 Jan. 2025
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 18 Jan. 2025.
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