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
News of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, planning a move back to the United Kingdom with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, is putting a spotlight back on the royal couple. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 The case has since put a spotlight on surrogacy and parental rights in Texas. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
Cavallari also used the photo shoot to spotlight a product from her Uncommon Beauty line. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Party strategists say the calendar will spotlight unions, Southern Black voters and swing states worth 43 electoral votes, requiring progressives and moderates to tailor messages and campaign efficiently. — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 15 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
  • Speakers focused on the expansion of surveillance cameras across metro Atlanta, recent cases involving officers accused of misusing Flock data and concerns about immigration enforcement.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • For them, the value is in being able to settle in, skip the logistics and focus on enjoying the time away.
    — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • One of the only signs of the trial that has drawn international attention was on a set of 14 video screens that lay out all of the cases to be heard in the building each day.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • After a thorough cleanse and gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, Galina smooths on a cooling mask and leaves it to work its magic while turning her attention to my scalp.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention
Verb
  • Authorities in the criminal complaint identified the three as 47-year-old Jose Rivera, his 5-year-old nephew Andrew and his 2-year-old niece Arlette.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The plant, which has not been identified for security reasons, was forced to close for four days because of the infiltration, the report said.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 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 25 Aug. 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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