as in limelight
the center of public attention
reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to focus
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spotlight
Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
This four-day celebration of the arts spotlights performances outside of conventional theater walls in more open and unique spaces, such as a boat, park or even in a bubble.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 10 Mar. 2026
This bill if passed will further spotlight extra charges management companies use to make ends meet and make the management sector’s current revenue model much more difficult.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Noun
The victory capped a months-long campaign that began quietly taking shape as early as September, when industry enthusiasm began to coalesce around the filmmaker finally receiving his long overdue moment in the Oscar spotlight.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
This four-day celebration of the arts spotlights performances outside of conventional theater walls in more open and unique spaces, such as a boat, park or even in a bubble.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
What has become increasingly vital is using that power of recommendation to regularly spotlight companies that stand for something beyond just capturing our dollars.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 10 Mar. 2026
This bill if passed will further spotlight extra charges management companies use to make ends meet and make the management sector’s current revenue model much more difficult.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
Noun
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The series turned Van Der Beek into a youth heartthrob and catapulted him into the national limelight.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
11 Feb. 2026
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While much of the debate (and excitement) centers on the selection of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the headliner, punk rock fans are eager to see how and what opening band Green Day will do with its moment in the national limelight.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Appeals court proceedings unfold largely out of public view and are unlikely to surface new evidence, instead focusing on narrow legal questions about the president’s appointment authority and prosecutorial power.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
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Catlin paused her studies to focus on her treatment -- surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.—
MAGGIE PENMAN THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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Your careful attention to detail turns tension into workable plans without drama.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The two agents, identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 in the lawsuit, are part of a broader group of employees who claim they were fired over the past year over their role in the election investigation known as Arctic Frost.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
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Cellphone video appears to show a man, identified as suspect Roberto Sosa, receiving several blows to the head from police officers in the middle of Hallandale Beach Boulevard before being taken to the ground.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlight. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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