SPOTLIGHTS Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

spotlights 1 of 2

noun

plural of spotlight

as in limelights

the center of public attention reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

back burners

spotlights

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of spotlight

as in focuses

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 spotlights

Noun

Using spotlights, strobe lights, fire and fireworks, the technical elements offered a dramatic visual display that blended seamlessly with the songs. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026 Tallinn’s Critics’ Picks strand spotlights films with a clear artistic point of view and a fresh take on storytelling, including work that wrestles with genre, cinema’s past and the social issues of the moment. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 Additionally, a companion documentary-style film spotlights Loopwheeler’s fabric. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 Here, The Associated Press takes the opposite approach and spotlights some thoughts from leaders who might have not captured the headlines and airtime on Saturday, the fifth day of the 2026 General Debate. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Photos published on Instagram by Darrin Dressler show spotlights turned to the sky, extending the height of the 217-foot tower. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026 That remote displays a live feed from the drone's 1080p/30fps camera, which is assisted in dim conditions by three 300-lumen spotlights. — New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026 The show was also horribly paced, with way too many pointless instrumental spotlights that somehow managed to come across as both showy and lethargic at the same time. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2026 This week's quiz spotlights swimsuit snaps and Hollywood escapes. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights

Noun

Seeking sense to her loveless existence, at least in the novel Ana attracts the predatorial lust of Magistral Fermín de Pas, her sensual confessor at La Vetusta cathedral, as well as the attentions of local Don Juan Álvaro Mejías.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
With attentions fractured in modern life, Gibney hopes there is some benefit in synthesizing information into a narrative.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of attentions

Verb

The announcement focuses on production, highlighting the importance of delivering advanced weapons in sufficient quantities alongside developing their capabilities.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
The Georgetown initiative focuses on descendants of slaves sold by Georgetown’s Jesuit priests to slaveholders in Louisiana.

— Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of focuses

Verb

Indiana University School of Medicine virologist Natasha Tilston-Lunel highlights the Oropouche cases, but notes that the Schmallenberg virus, which is closely related to Shamonda, has been found to be widespread in livestock but not humans.

— Sahas Mehra, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
The deal highlights the continuing allure of Abu Dhabi wealth for Wall Street’s biggest investors despite the Iran war.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of highlights

Verb

The Draghi report on European competitiveness identifies productivity as the primary cause.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The directory identifies each group's mission, ideology, organizational role and documented protest activity, distinguishing direct organizers and participants from supporters and amplifiers.

— Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of identifies

Verb

The Base-01 features an inflatable exo-frame holding up a weatherproof skin to serve as a transportable, fast-pitching sun shelter, mobile garage, mission control center, and roomy hostel for you and up to nine of your closest friends and allies.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
The property features only three suites and can be rented out as a family or friend holiday house.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of features

Verb

The list pinpoints historic buildings and structures that are at risk of demolition from long-term vacancy, maintenance concerns, pressures from developments or lack of protection for preservation, according to a news release.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Hotlist Hotspot Insights — this tool pinpoints high-frequency license plate reader hotlist hits.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of pinpoints

Browse Nearby Words

spotlighting

spotlights

spot-on

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Style

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

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Synonyms of spotlights

noun

verb

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