limelight

Definition of limelightnext
as in spotlight
the center of public attention an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of limelight My poetry began as a father’s sly growl, became a spectacle on a rickety stage washed in limelight, and now is a 70-year-old woman’s walk back into a thousand yesterdays. Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025 The city has largely avoided the brunt of the immigration limelight somehow, with Chicago in full focus in recent days. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is returning to the international limelight as the prospective head of an authority tasked with the reconstruction of Gaza. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 Trumps otherwise basked in the royal limelight on Wednesday, visibly enjoying the pomp and ceremony, which included a royal gun salute, carriage procession through Windsor and guard of honor. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for limelight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limelight
Noun
  • The Delano grape strike and grape boycott helped propel farmworker conditions into the national spotlight and drew support from labor, religious and civil rights groups.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The purpose of an early debate is to help Californians evaluate a still-developing field, not to let academics and media sponsors freeze the race before most people start paying attention.
    Matt Klink, Oc Register, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Your careful attention to detail turns tension into workable plans without drama.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limelight. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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