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
Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
The hero baboon in the foreground got the most attention and was made more artistically interesting by adding extra tension to the muscle or lighting across the jaw.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024
Shortly after the Supreme Court’s ruling, Smith had revised his indictment, to eliminate allegations involving Trump’s official acts as President—such as his conversations with Justice Department officials—and to foreground the unofficial nature of his conduct as a Presidential candidate.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for foreground 
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Noun
The image was taken by an Associated Press photographer on Jan. 5, 1973, and the caption says the young boy in the foreground is Beau, not Hunter.
—Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
The hero baboon in the foreground got the most attention and was made more artistically interesting by adding extra tension to the muscle or lighting across the jaw.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
From background to foreground, the painting depicts a haloed Virgin Mary, a young Jesus standing between her knees, St. Jerome asleep on the ground, and St. John the Baptist, clad sparsely in animal skins, pointing a crooked finger toward the figures behind him.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024
Shortly after the Supreme Court’s ruling, Smith had revised his indictment, to eliminate allegations involving Trump’s official acts as President—such as his conversations with Justice Department officials—and to foreground the unofficial nature of his conduct as a Presidential candidate.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 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 25 Dec. 2024.
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