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

Nighttime color quality was good, but the camera needs the white spotlights to capture color video. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026 Voters must also agree, on an honor system, to watch every film in a category before casting a ballot, while the Academy spotlights emerging, diverse and international filmmakers on its social channels and in the museum. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026 Earlier this month, as Sky and Telescope reports, Reflect Orbital conducted an early test of the idea by lighting up a mountainside in the California desert with powerful spotlights to simulate the future capabilities of its reflecting satellites. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 28 Oct. 2026 Using spotlights, strobe lights, fire and fireworks, the technical elements offered a dramatic visual display that blended seamlessly with the songs. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026 Additionally, a companion documentary-style film spotlights Loopwheeler’s fabric. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 Here, The Associated Press takes the opposite approach and spotlights some thoughts from leaders who might have not captured the headlines and airtime on Saturday, the fifth day of the 2026 General Debate. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Photos published on Instagram by Darrin Dressler show spotlights turned to the sky, extending the height of the 217-foot tower. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026 That remote displays a live feed from the drone's 1080p/30fps camera, which is assisted in dim conditions by three 300-lumen spotlights. — New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights

Noun

Seeking sense to her loveless existence, at least in the novel Ana attracts the predatorial lust of Magistral Fermín de Pas, her sensual confessor at La Vetusta cathedral, as well as the attentions of local Don Juan Álvaro Mejías.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
With attentions fractured in modern life, Gibney hopes there is some benefit in synthesizing information into a narrative.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of attentions

Verb

Much of Jewish Iraqi American conceptual artist Michael Rakowitz’s work focuses on re-creating or giving new life to religious materials that were stolen, damaged or destroyed amid war and persecution.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Much of the current wave of research focuses on what menstrual blood can tell us about our reproductive organs and the conditions specific to that area of the body.

— Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of focuses

Verb

Glamour’s forecast also highlights maximalist eyes, including jewel tones, metallic finishes and more dramatic eye makeup.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Glamour’s forecast also highlights maximalist eyes with jewel tones, metallic finishes and more dramatic eye makeup.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of highlights

Verb

Each layer identifies different kinds of risk, so skipping any of them leaves a gap that greater intelligence only widens.

— Kumar Chivukula, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Our study identifies internal noise as an important factor that facilitates this brain plasticity.

— Woon Ju Park, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of identifies

Verb

Designed by Philippe Starck, the superyacht features an outer surface that is ghostlike, its barely visible windows embedded in a shimmering armored steel frame.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
The preserve also features restrooms, a paved entrance road, facilities for horseback riders and a viewing platform overlooking Raccoon Creek.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of features

Verb

The list pinpoints historic buildings and structures that are at risk of demolition from long-term vacancy, maintenance concerns, pressures from developments or lack of protection for preservation, according to a news release.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Hotlist Hotspot Insights — this tool pinpoints high-frequency license plate reader hotlist hits.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of pinpoints

Browse Nearby Words

spotlighting

spotlights

spot-on

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“Spotlights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlights. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of spotlights

noun

verb

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