spotlight 1 of 2

noun

ˈspät-ˌlīt How to pronounce spotlight (audio)
Definition of spotlightnext
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

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

as in to focus

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 spotlight
Noun
With Italy celebrated as this year’s Country of Honor, the festival has put a spotlight on the country’s cinema. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026 This is the 13th year the Sun Sentinel will shine a spotlight on outstanding workplaces in the region, as viewed by workers. — Bob Helbig, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
O’Neal and Smith seem more interested in continuing to spotlight basketball. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026 For the fourth annual Cyber 60, Fortune, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and AWS spotlight the most innovative cybersecurity startups helping companies anticipate threats, strengthen defenses, and protect their operations. — John Kell, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
  1. limelight
  2. focus
  3. attention
  4. identify
Noun
  • The majority have no chance of making it into the 120-seat Parliament — but a quirk of the Israeli election system ensures that even the most obscure contenders get their moment in the political limelight.
    — Lia Lapidot Aaron Boxerman and Lia Lapidot, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Chris Evans and his wife Alba Baptista, 29, can count themselves among Hollywood’s most limelight-shy couples.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of limelight
Verb
  • Support extends to local communities through partnerships with One Horizon, a non-profit focused on poverty alleviation and women's empowerment, and the historic Nondies Rugby Club, Kenya's oldest rugby team.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Even some Democrats who had endorsed more progressive policies in the past were urging the party to focus on economic needs first, and convince the voters who broke from the GOP this year that the party deserved a long-term mandate.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of focus
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
Definition of attention
Verb
  • Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • About 42% of residents surveyed identified mental health as a top health challenge, and Gaston’s suicide rate also exceeds the state average.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of identify

Browse Nearby Words

spotlessness
spotlight
spotlighted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlight. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spotlight

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spotlight

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