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
Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
And Pinto said Robinhood’s platform spotlights its portfolio through founder interviews and bios, among other methods.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Rather than rings and spotlights that keep all the attention in the middle of the arena, crowd reactions, audience participation and an immersive feel are now part of the show.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
Another sobering statistic from the survey results spotlights access to tools for relief as a key driver of this gap, too.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Apr. 2026
Situated at the summit of Mount Davidson, the historic 103-foot-tall cross will be illuminated by spotlights beginning Saturday evening.
—Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
Hardened violators often pitch out their firearms, spotlights, and other equipment used in breaking the law, know-ing that wardens must present such evidence in court to get a conviction.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Once the appeals are launched, regulatory spotlights are likely to be ramped up with big-bucks settlements paid out to keep the courts and lawmakers out of the matters.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Member spotlights include Mississippi, New Zealand, Finland, Iceland, New Mexico and Japan.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
The whole thing was a striking visual spectacle, too — waves of musicians rising from both sides, backup singers swaying and clapping, spotlights sweeping across the floor as a roaming camera zipped through the crowd like a drone that had just discovered country music.
—Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
And Pinto said Robinhood’s platform spotlights its portfolio through founder interviews and bios, among other methods.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Rather than rings and spotlights that keep all the attention in the middle of the arena, crowd reactions, audience participation and an immersive feel are now part of the show.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
Another sobering statistic from the survey results spotlights access to tools for relief as a key driver of this gap, too.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Apr. 2026
Situated at the summit of Mount Davidson, the historic 103-foot-tall cross will be illuminated by spotlights beginning Saturday evening.
—Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
Hardened violators often pitch out their firearms, spotlights, and other equipment used in breaking the law, know-ing that wardens must present such evidence in court to get a conviction.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Once the appeals are launched, regulatory spotlights are likely to be ramped up with big-bucks settlements paid out to keep the courts and lawmakers out of the matters.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Member spotlights include Mississippi, New Zealand, Finland, Iceland, New Mexico and Japan.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights
Verb
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Evonne Andris is a shareholder with the South Florida law firm of Siegfried Rivera who is based at the firm’s Broward office and focuses on community association law.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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The program focuses on traffic, bicycle and life safety skills for young children.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But future business concerns were parked on Wednesday night as attentions turned to near-endless trays of champagne, cocktails and canapés.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
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Dedicates to vocal work, focuses attentions on her acting lessons, gives clear attention to her dancing.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The festival highlights the diversity of Asian cultures with more than 200 dishes from over 80 food vendors, representing cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond, ranging from street food to fusion bites.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
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Hiller’s decision highlights the impact of incoming offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, a two-time national championship left tackle at Florida who spent the last six seasons at Penn State.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Epstein files released by the Justice Department contain a 2002 email exchange between Maxwell and a woman who identifies herself as Melania.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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The collection also included SL-700 Technics turntables — items Hall identifies as sacred in Biz’s world.—
Preezy Brown,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The MorphoScan is even missing a couple of quality-of-life features present on the Etekcity scale, including a safe mode for pregnant women and pacemaker users that disables the BIA electrical current for weight-only measurements.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
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The museum’s fourth floor doubles as an event space and features a large terrace that overlooks the bay.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 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
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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 12 Apr. 2026.
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