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
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Example Sentences
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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
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
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Far from a depressing gray room located in a basement, The Bridge and its massive windows put a spotlight on the natural beauty of Hong Kong.—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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Now in its 30th year, the Webby Awards spotlight Internet excellence, from viral memes and podcasters to content creators and filmmakers.—
Annie Harrigan,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Plan well in advance The buzz is big — and few Charlotte restaurant openings have gotten this much attention recently.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
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Thankfully, having children is not a job requirement, but your inner child will rejoice at all the attention.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limelight. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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