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
York is under investigation by the NFL and his arrest puts a spotlight on East Palestine, where local officials say policing human trafficking has been a priority. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Also receiving some shine in the night’s spotlight will be a tribute to the people behind 20 years of onstage stories at the center of each show. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
Travel + Leisure launched America’s Best Small Towns three years ago to spotlight destinations with tiny populations, but big hearts and outsized attractions. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026 Cavallari also used the photo shoot to spotlight a product from her Uncommon Beauty line. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spotlight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlight
  1. limelight
  2. focus
  3. attention
  4. identify
Noun
  • Chris Evans and his wife Alba Baptista, 29, can count themselves among Hollywood’s most limelight-shy couples.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Yet somehow, the 469 square miles of New York City tend to hog all the limelight.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of limelight
Verb
  • Some participants loved the program, which, like EST, took place over four days and focused on personal transformation.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Reddington is focusing on the allegation that Clancy crushed pills and placed them in lemonade as part of her suicide attempt.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • The Moon enters Aries and your 10th House of Career, Reputation, and Responsibility, putting attention on your public role, work, leadership, or visible commitments.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, markets this week paid close attention to news of the passing of former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention
Verb
  • Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • After encountering Baumeister again the following year, Goodyear helped investigators obtain information that led them to identify Baumeister.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spotlight

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spotlight

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