spotlight 1 of 2

noun

ˈspät-ˌlīt How to pronounce spotlight (audio)
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

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
Noun
It’s been 32 painful years since that moment, one that shocked the world and shone a spotlight on the darkest part of Colombian society. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The region, which returned to the global spotlight during the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, means a lot to Beccari. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
Verb
Additionally, to spotlight these creators, a selection of Forbes Top Creator list makers will be featured on OUTFRONT's digital billboards across the country. — Forbes Press Releases, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Related Stories The new category is designed to spotlight stories that move beyond traditional environmental narratives, emphasizing creativity, possibility and audience engagement. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
  1. limelight
  2. focus
  3. attention
  4. identify
Noun
  • 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
Definition of limelight
Verb
  • Escalona, who’s described himself as a supporter of law and order, has been focusing on quality-of-life issues since his December election.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Outside Hollywood, Glover has become equally known for being involved in his community, co-founding a production company, Louverture Films, focused on supporting socially conscious stories from underserved communities.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • In June 2024, Kelce and Swift were at the center of worldwide attention, even though their relationship wasn’t even a year old.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The retro ensemble caught the attention of fans and press everywhere.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of attention
Verb
  • Hiltz competes in women’s events, but identifies as non-binary and transgender, using they/them pronouns.
    — Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Othram has said Idaho State Police Forensic Services, Moscow police and the FBI teamed with the company to help identify Bryan Kohberger as the suspect.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of identify

Browse Nearby Words

spotlessness
spotlight
spotlighted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spotlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlight. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spotlight

Nglish: Translation of spotlight for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spotlight

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