as in limelight
the center of public attention
reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to focus
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spotlight
Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
The Seattle Seahawks have soared to the pinnacle of professional football, and at the helm of their championship run is head coach Mike Macdonald—a leader whose journey began far from the national spotlight, in the community of Roswell, Georgia.
—Sam Crenshaw, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Some revisit pivotal chapters in the fight for civil rights, while others spotlight the music, artistry, and everyday resilience that shape Black life across generations.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Noun
The latest batch of Epstein files has cast an unflattering spotlight on other prominent figures in Norway.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
The Seattle Seahawks have soared to the pinnacle of professional football, and at the helm of their championship run is head coach Mike Macdonald—a leader whose journey began far from the national spotlight, in the community of Roswell, Georgia.
—Sam Crenshaw, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
This year's broadcast will include a segment with Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir and spotlight senior dogs, reporting from USA Today shows.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Some revisit pivotal chapters in the fight for civil rights, while others spotlight the music, artistry, and everyday resilience that shape Black life across generations.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
Noun
-
While much of the debate (and excitement) centers on the selection of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the headliner, punk rock fans are eager to see how and what opening band Green Day will do with its moment in the national limelight.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Automotive companies like Ford and GM usually get the most limelight, but there were many others, like Singer, a company that normally makes sewing machines, that started making firearm components.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
While other popular series for pre-school age kids focus on education, this one is more focused on movement.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
14 Feb. 2026
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On Friday, two senior DHS officials told NBC News that the agency has no immediate plans for more large-scale immigration operations focusing on specific cities.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There is another kind of voter fraud which has escaped the attention--whether accidentally or deliberately--of the media.—
Cal Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
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In a measured but hostile tone, Rhoades called attention to a great number of complaints that had come from Coppermark.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Models require extensive training to enable them to identify everyday objects to interact with, which means that simple tasks like picking up fruit can be challenging in robotics.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2026
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Only one body was identified by a family, while the others were buried on Friday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlight. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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