spotlight 1 of 2

Definition of spotlightnext
as in limelight
the center of public attention reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

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 spotlight
Noun
An intuitive Moon crosses your 10th House of Career while Saturn, planet of lessons, rests in your 5th House of Creativity, and their quincunx nudges you to refine spotlight plans with care. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026 Questlove’s stellar new documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That’s the Weight of the World) shines a long overdue spotlight on one of the greatest R&B/funk acts of all time, and the genius of bandleader Maurice White. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026
Verb
For decades now, Obama has worn clothes in both exciting and highly effective ways, often using her platform to spotlight young designers of color, or to subtly signal stances during moments of intense political discourse. Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 The evening will also spotlight BMAC’s efforts in reshaping the music industry’s approach to social justice, proving that culture can be a driver of systemic change. Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
Noun
  • Clearly, Samsung is prioritising keeping its flagship as competitively priced as possible (and perhaps trying to steal a bit of the WWDC limelight this week) despite battling rising manufacturing costs.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • He also has not been allowed to wear the club’s sponsor, a crypto betting company, on his shirt and Leicester have tried to protect him from the media limelight.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Keep it focused by finishing something small before expanding the concept.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • In fact, 72% of Gen Z look to social media for food and drink-focused wellness trends, according to 2025 data shared with CNBC by food & beverages analytics firm Datassentials.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Despite Schlossberg's national attention, most current polls show either New York Assemblymembers Alex Bores or Micah Lasher as frontrunners.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Seek prompt medical attention for deep puncture wounds or wounds contaminated by dirt or debris.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • To combat bots, Ticketmaster, the primary ticketing platform for many concerts, blocks automated software, identifies and shuts down fake accounts and cancels orders that violate its policies.
    Sydney Goh, CNBC, 27 June 2026
  • Its unusual structure was first identified by a citizen scientist participating in the RAD@home Astronomy Collaboratory, which allows volunteers to review telescope data and flag unusual features that might otherwise be missed.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlight. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spotlight

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster