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
Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
The difference between the two is one began his journey far from Montreal, and the other began it under the hottest of spotlights.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Black History Month, observed annually in February, spotlights influential Black individuals and their contributions to the country.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
Permanent and temporary exhibitions delve into the art of moviemaking, director spotlights, avant-garde filmmakers, and other aspects of the filmmaking world.
—Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
The difference between the two is one began his journey far from Montreal, and the other began it under the hottest of spotlights.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Black History Month, observed annually in February, spotlights influential Black individuals and their contributions to the country.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights
Verb
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Known as StellFoundry, the new project focuses on replacing lengthy calculations in the design process with types of digital models, or surrogates, that provide rough calculation estimates.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 2026
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To show how human and animal lives parallel each other, whether thriving upon the bounties of a healthy ecosystem or impacted by change, Kotevska focuses on Nikola Conev and his extended family.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
4 Feb. 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
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This study also highlights the cooperative side of plants.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Feb. 2026
-
More broadly, this work highlights a promising pathway for integrating solar energy directly into electrochemical energy storage, potentially bridging the gap between renewable energy harvesting and efficient energy utilization, according to researchers.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By selecting just two or three representative images through the iPad Operator App, users can trigger immediate adjustments to how the system identifies plants and applies laser treatment in the field.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Feb. 2026
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This commitment drives meaningful change, identifies systemic challenges, and advances solutions to improve safety.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The ad features Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Jason Alexander, Jasmine Guy, Jaleel White, Alfonso Ribeiro and Ted Danson, all doing riffs on their past TV characters.—
Omar L. Gallaga,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Apple music features the personalized Love and Heartbreak stations, which were introduced for Valentine's Day 2024.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Feb. 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 11 Feb. 2026.
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