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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
The annual prize spotlights debut features released in French theaters between two editions of the Cannes Film Festival, with a mission to champion new voices in contemporary cinema.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 15 May 2026
The documentary spotlights Felix’s public dispute with Nike in her battle for increased maternal protections in contracts with sponsors — specifically, that athletes could face a pay cut or stoppage, as well as a loss of health insurance, after giving birth.
—Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Looking even further ahead, CottonWorks by Cotton Incorporated spotlights what’s next in its 2028 color report for the denim category.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
See video … LISTEN Tune in as the 2026 NFL Draft spotlights a record-breaking top prospect and the high-stakes mindset behind building a franchise quarterback.
—FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Now in its fifth year, the ranking spotlights standout bar experiences across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
—Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, the main stage is concert-ready with additional dancing lasers and spotlights.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The Cleveland Botanical Garden's Glasshouse spotlights plants, insects, birds, and more from the spiny desert of Madagascar and the rainforest of Costa Rica.
—Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
The menu spotlights locally sourced Japanese dishes—the nigiri and the sushi rolls are excellent—as well as sake and a solid selection of Japanese whiskey.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
The annual prize spotlights debut features released in French theaters between two editions of the Cannes Film Festival, with a mission to champion new voices in contemporary cinema.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 15 May 2026
The documentary spotlights Felix’s public dispute with Nike in her battle for increased maternal protections in contracts with sponsors — specifically, that athletes could face a pay cut or stoppage, as well as a loss of health insurance, after giving birth.
—Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Looking even further ahead, CottonWorks by Cotton Incorporated spotlights what’s next in its 2028 color report for the denim category.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
See video … LISTEN Tune in as the 2026 NFL Draft spotlights a record-breaking top prospect and the high-stakes mindset behind building a franchise quarterback.
—FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Now in its fifth year, the ranking spotlights standout bar experiences across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
—Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, the main stage is concert-ready with additional dancing lasers and spotlights.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
The Cleveland Botanical Garden's Glasshouse spotlights plants, insects, birds, and more from the spiny desert of Madagascar and the rainforest of Costa Rica.
—Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights
Verb
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Those missions, several of which featured celebrities like musician Katy Perry and actor William Shatner, have been paused for at least two years while Blue Origin focuses on its lunar program.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
-
The Dunes East Hampton, a private 17-acre estate in the Hamptons, focuses on executive and holistic addiction treatment for professionals.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
However, where investors were once enamored with subscriber growth, rewarding companies that were able to expand their consumer reach, their attentions have now shifted toward profitability.—
Sarah Whitten,Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Set the scene Set on 25 acres atop a dramatic bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the resort’s white exterior, punctuated by evocative arches, highlights the bright turquoise water below, creating a stunning setting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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The festival highlights Mexican cuisine at its finest.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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While the city identifies it as a major commercial corridor, the last large-scale development — a series of hotels — came 10 years ago, City Manager Paul Kramer told the City Council on Monday.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
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The accompanying wall label identifies the dress as a 2025 edition of the original 2023 design, although only Hadari is credited as its creator.—
Lilyanna D'Amato,
ARTnews.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The Warner Theatre hosts the distillery for VIP Room events and fundraisers, and A Tasteful Event, which benefits the FISH food pantry and shelter in Torrington, features food by local restaurants and vendors, including the Litchfield Distillery.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
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One especially striking image features the galaxy rising above a sea of clouds in La Palma, creating an almost surreal scene.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
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This tool pinpoints the ancient latitude of any modern location, tracing its journey back to the peak of the supercontinent Pangaea.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
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The city’s ShotSpotter system is a network of sound-detection sensors that pinpoints the location of gunshots and sends alerts to police.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spotlights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlights. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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