SPOTLIGHTS Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

spotlights 1 of 2

noun

plural of spotlight

as in limelights

the center of public attention reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

back burners

spotlights

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of spotlight

as in focuses

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 spotlights

Noun

This upcoming bloom spotlights a plant nicknamed Odora, who last opened in 2024, and Odorysseus, a rookie public bloomer. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 Bright spotlights lit the signing table donned with the presidential seal. — Jarrell Dillard, Washington Post, 10 July 2026 Obesity is clearly multifactorial, and emphasizing biology spotlights biological solutions, which biases our selection of choices related to our health. — Max Moser, STAT, 9 July 2026 The athlete does not let himself be dribbled by the slightest sensitive subject, practicing an art of evasion beneath an XXL smile, under warm spotlights that illuminate his blue linen suit. — Time, Time, 26 June 2026 As the nurturing Moon moves into your sign, your 1st House of Identity spotlights body wisdom, so give yourself room to adjust routines without perfection. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 It’s lit up in patriotic red, white, and blue, and sometimes blasts Vegas-nightclub-style spotlights into the sky. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 The remaining grassy lawn around the arena, on the other sides of the White House, has been fitted with supplemental spotlights. — ABC News, 11 June 2026 Its boutique spa spotlights Farmaesthetics, award-winning face and body treatments that emphasize organic botanicals and grounding massage techniques. — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 9 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights

Noun

But this is not a restaurant built for restraint; turn your attentions to Les Grands, a selection of jumbo desserts, each big enough to feed a quorum.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
The flirty attentions of handsome fellow student Henry (Nate Mann) — an adult, like everyone else in the class — don’t hurt either.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026

Definition of attentions

Verb

Much of the report focuses on historian Anthea Hartig, who has led the National Museum of American History since 2019 and is the museum's first female director.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Beyond its scale, OMNIA focuses on sophisticated cocktail programs, featuring premium spirits in drinks like the Four Berry Buck and Watermelon Margarita.

— Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of focuses

Verb

The incident highlights the risks faced by people living in the only region where Asiatic lions still roam in the wild.

— Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
To reduce those mistakes, Clay County includes instructions with every mail ballot packet, highlights the section requiring notarization and places another reminder on the return envelope before voters seal it.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

Definition of highlights

Verb

Boyd identifies the Airbus A220 and A320, along with the Embraer E175 and E190, as models with economy seats that are eighteen and even nineteen inches across.

— Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Rather than working through every possible scenario, conduct an environmental scan that identifies events that could materially impact performance.

— Jim DeLoach, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of identifies

Verb

Don’t expect much early because of a non-conference slate that features trips to Ole Miss and Appalachian State and a visit from a solid Louisiana team.

— Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Legend shares a staggering scale with its two sister ships – Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, and Star of the Seas last year – but features a number of new and reimagined venues and activities.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of features

Browse Nearby Words

spotlighting

spotlights

spot-on

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Style

“Spotlights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlights. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spotlights

noun

verb

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