as in limelights
the center of public attention
reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight
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Recent Examples of spotlights
Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 20 Jan. 2026
Pitti Uomo is spotlighting six guest nations, reprising its collaborations with key institutional fashion associations globally for regional spotlights.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Plunging necklines and pleated skirts would go on to be stylish spotlights in Monroe's fashions.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
Follow Panda Fest on Instagram (@pandafestorlando) for festival updates, vendor spotlights and sneak peeks.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The list brings together science with field experience and frontline conservation and spotlights some of the world’s most extraordinary and highly threatened species.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026
Then, on March 3, the total lunar eclipse in Virgo spotlights relationships directly, bringing major turning points around commitment, closure or honesty.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Most of the space is dimly lit, with spotlights that accentuate Thomas’s signature strass ornamentation—liberally applied not only to the outlines of her Black female figures, but also to their ruby-red lips, lustrous hair, the lines between their toes, and the surrounding decorative patterns.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025
These tall, usually slim, cabinets with shelving, spotlights, and glass doors were so popular for a reason.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
Nearly all other exterior spotlights were turned off on April 18, shining only two beams of light symbolizing the warning lanterns that sent Revere and William Dawes on a mission to declare the British were coming.
—Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 20 Jan. 2026
Pitti Uomo is spotlighting six guest nations, reprising its collaborations with key institutional fashion associations globally for regional spotlights.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Plunging necklines and pleated skirts would go on to be stylish spotlights in Monroe's fashions.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
Follow Panda Fest on Instagram (@pandafestorlando) for festival updates, vendor spotlights and sneak peeks.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The list brings together science with field experience and frontline conservation and spotlights some of the world’s most extraordinary and highly threatened species.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026
Then, on March 3, the total lunar eclipse in Virgo spotlights relationships directly, bringing major turning points around commitment, closure or honesty.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Most of the space is dimly lit, with spotlights that accentuate Thomas’s signature strass ornamentation—liberally applied not only to the outlines of her Black female figures, but also to their ruby-red lips, lustrous hair, the lines between their toes, and the surrounding decorative patterns.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025
These tall, usually slim, cabinets with shelving, spotlights, and glass doors were so popular for a reason.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights
Verb
-
Homeland Security Investigations, a unit within ICE that focuses on cross-border crimes, frequently sends its officers to overseas events like the Olympics to assist with security.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
-
While the launch focuses on AI tools, LinkedIn has confirmed that additional partners, including Gamma, GitHub, and Zapier, will become available in the coming months.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
As Noth's social media interaction gained traction, the actor downplayed his comment and told fans to cast their attentions elsewhere.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Stir up some kind of fraternal rivalry for her attentions.—
Benjamin Markovits,
The Atlantic,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The show highlights curiosity and problem-solving, while quietly breaking down stereotypes about Black people, and expands what kids imagine is possible for themselves.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
30 Jan. 2026
-
This detail highlights the complexity of color, mirroring how tweeds that appear predominantly green or brown are, in fact, woven from a rich spectrum of threads, including yellow and fuchsia — all the colors of the rainbow.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The poll identifies a significant gap between voter expectations and government performance.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Leatham, a biological male who identifies as a woman, is prone to loud outbursts that disrupt court proceedings and routinely launches into tirades accusing government attorneys of transphobia.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This apartment features two bedrooms and two baths.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The flat head features two intake points, an opening at the mouth of the attachment as well as holes along its bottom, that allow the tool more range to suck up dirt, dust, crumbs, and more.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Smith correctly pinpoints the inception of consumer-grade technology and the rise of punk rock in New York as reasons for public access’ cult-like success.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Martin pinpoints a crucial scene just over halfway through the season.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spotlights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlights. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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