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 Saunders turns out to be one of two dancers spotlighted in Episode 2 who thought their on-stage careers were over before they got thrust into as big a limelight as show business has ever seen as part of the Eras Tour. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for limelight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limelight
Noun
  • The goal was to shine a spotlight on the players that built the league’s fandom.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
  • But Spencer deserves her own spotlight.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Feel daring, attention-grabbing and unapologetically you.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Atlanta rapper Offset is hospitalized after being shot in South Florida, according to his representative and authorities, in a developing story that is drawing national attention.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on limelight

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