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

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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 Three years ago, just a couple weeks before we got married, my husband and I planted a dozen limelight shrubs along the sides of our new home. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 Kristen’s husband’s life was full of glamour and limelight, whereas her life was all behind the scenes. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 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 Special occasions celebrators, romantic weekenders, limelight-shunning VIPs, and families who want to be by the water can all be found lounging around the resort. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for limelight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limelight
Noun
  • Mamdani, who rose to the national spotlight through his mayoral campaign in 2025, flexed his influence in the primaries by endorsing three progressive House candidates in deep-blue New York City districts.
    — Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Maybe the lack of spotlight and vodcaster microphone lowered his guard.
    — Luke Jones, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage still runs through its veins, so its dedication to care, service, and attention to detail remains.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Your bed might be the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home, so why not give it a little extra attention?
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limelight. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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