as in limelight
the center of public attention
reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to focus
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 spotlight
Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Our selection spotlights some of the top designers from around the world; earrings from Colombia, bikinis from Australia and, of course, plenty of U.S. independent designers are represented on our list.
—Rana Good, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
The 30-month-long case, which thrust Idaho into the national spotlight, spanned several states as investigators searched for a suspect for nearly seven weeks.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Noun
Nicole Miller returned to Albania last week to help judge the Muza 2025 Finale, which spotlighted the work of 10 designers.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Our selection spotlights some of the top designers from around the world; earrings from Colombia, bikinis from Australia and, of course, plenty of U.S. independent designers are represented on our list.
—Rana Good, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
The Page of Cups shines a spotlight for you, calling you to focus on the aspects of your life that light you up this month.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
The 30-month-long case, which thrust Idaho into the national spotlight, spanned several states as investigators searched for a suspect for nearly seven weeks.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
Noun
-
The topic pushed several officials into the national limelight, and the board consistently took a unified and outspoken stance on the issue.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Emma Navarro is figuring out how to live in the tennis limelight.—
Matthew Futterman,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Driehaus also shared the other projects the county is focusing on, such as the Addiction Response Coalition's work to ensure people are connected to resources and the chance to get treatment after a drug overdose.—
Erin Glynn,
The Enquirer,
11 July 2025
-
Ralph represents the new kind of leadership our city needs — principled, independent, and focused on results.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Borden was eventually acquitted of the crimes, but the brutal nature of the murders attracted nationwide attention and contributed to Borden’s place in popular culture.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
8 July 2025
-
Big races, like the Boxing Day Race, sell out quickly, and for a couple of hours, the island’s attention shifts from its relaxing beaches to the excitement of the racetrack.—
Ana Sotelo,
The Dial,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
The outlet has not been publicly identified by law enforcement.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
-
The patient, who has not been identified, died just hours after checking into the Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department, a spokesperson for Northern Arizona Healthcare confirmed to the Daily News.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlight. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share