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
Zachary Fine, The New Yorker, 28 June 2024
Relationships step into the foreground during Cancer season.
—USA TODAY, 20 June 2024
Corey Seymour, Vogue, 24 June 2024
The Imaginary foregrounds the school-aged child’s adventures with Rudger, showing the way the duo make their own fun.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for foreground 
Noun
In the foreground, Friedrich has installed one of his go-to tropes: an open grave.
—Zachary Fine, The New Yorker, 28 June 2024
Relationships step into the foreground during Cancer season.
—USA TODAY, 20 June 2024
Verb
Given that their field of play is essentially the ocean, zero-waste, renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives are foregrounded—and, along with the winner’s trophy that the teams are competing for, there’s a separate Impact League Trophy.
—Corey Seymour, Vogue, 24 June 2024
The Imaginary foregrounds the school-aged child’s adventures with Rudger, showing the way the duo make their own fun.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for foreground
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foreground.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near foreground
Cite this Entry
“Foreground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreground. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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