spotlight 1 of 2

Definition of spotlightnext
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

spotlight

2 of 2

verb

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 spotlight
Noun
The strategic tag is a spotlight, and spotlights burn as well as illuminate. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026 Mullins' late-game heroics will certainly get a spotlight for his March Madness shot when UConn looked as if they were done. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
At Olōyō, the chefs will continue to spotlight seasonal modern Mexican cooking with a focus on Texas produce from local farms and ranches now in a fine dining setting. Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026 Trump had hoped to spotlight the benefit fraud both to bolster his case for immigration enforcement and also because of his outspoken bigotry toward Somalis. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
Noun
  • The series turned Van Der Beek into a youth heartthrob and catapulted him into the national limelight.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Rather, help these children focus on good nutrition every day.
    Dr. Sarah Kinsella, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Creative sessions focus on nature and fitness.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Plan well in advance The buzz is big — and few Charlotte restaurant openings have gotten this much attention recently.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Thankfully, having children is not a job requirement, but your inner child will rejoice at all the attention.
    Emily Menez, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The suspect has been identified as 64-year-old James Andrew Thompson, and his wife was the first to call for help, Hickory police said in an April 3 news release.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Both, only identified as a 40-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlight. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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