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

Relevance

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
  • In a series of news updates and exclusive, in-depth stories, the Idaho Statesman turns a spotlight onto the problems of traffic and transportation as the Boise area's population keeps growing.
    Rose Evans Updated March 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In Massachusetts, advocates are turning attention to an existing office in the state’s education department.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Besides Heldens and Carpenter, also attached is former Disney Channels Worldwide president/Disney Branded Television president and chief creative officer Gary Marsh, who departed that post in 2021 and turned his attention to producing.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limelight. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on limelight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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