Definition of limelightnext
as in spotlight
the center of public attention an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded

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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 limelight Following a very public and increasingly acrimonious falling out with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of chemicals giant INEOS who bankrolled Ainslie’s two previous Cup campaigns, this is a level of limelight Ainslie could do without. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Kristen’s husband’s life was full of glamour and limelight, whereas her life was all behind the scenes. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Clearly, Samsung is prioritising keeping its flagship as competitively priced as possible (and perhaps trying to steal a bit of the WWDC limelight this week) despite battling rising manufacturing costs. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 Special occasions celebrators, romantic weekenders, limelight-shunning VIPs, and families who want to be by the water can all be found lounging around the resort. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for limelight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limelight
Noun
  • And spare furnishings spotlight craft—from the dining area’s custom walnut table to the stairwell’s Isamu Noguchi pendant.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Nobody Wants This season three tones down its exploration of Judaism and Jewish culture significantly — like, to the extent that Christmas traditions get a more elaborate episode spotlight than any Jewish holiday does.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • If they really can’t be bothered to show some respect then we shouldn’t be bothered enough to give them our attention and money.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limelight. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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