as in limelights
the center of public attention
reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight
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Recent Examples of spotlights
Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The list brings together science with field experience and frontline conservation and spotlights some of the world’s most extraordinary and highly threatened species.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026
Then, on March 3, the total lunar eclipse in Virgo spotlights relationships directly, bringing major turning points around commitment, closure or honesty.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Most of the space is dimly lit, with spotlights that accentuate Thomas’s signature strass ornamentation—liberally applied not only to the outlines of her Black female figures, but also to their ruby-red lips, lustrous hair, the lines between their toes, and the surrounding decorative patterns.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025
These tall, usually slim, cabinets with shelving, spotlights, and glass doors were so popular for a reason.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
Glare and unshielded spotlights.
—Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 2 Dec. 2025
But bright white spotlights from the 25-story oil rig nearby illuminated the dark waves and attracted the fisherman’s prize — yellowfin tuna.
—Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 Nov. 2025
Soon after My Bloody Valentine skulked into the Wembley Arena spotlights, the initial roar of some 12,000 fans abated.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Nov. 2025
Noun
Follow Panda Fest on Instagram (@pandafestorlando) for festival updates, vendor spotlights and sneak peeks.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights
Verb
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The system focuses on physical interception rather than electronic warfare, addressing scenarios where jamming proves ineffective or risky.—
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The Everglades Forever Act focuses on water quality, while CERP, which came later, encompasses water quality, storage and flow.—
Noun
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Stir up some kind of fraternal rivalry for her attentions.—
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As kobolds go, Heinzelmann was more harmless than most, going about his business protecting the castle from giants and dwarves and keeping the staff updated on faerie gossip, as well as protecting the chambermaids from unwelcome attentions from visiting noblemen.—
Verb
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This week's quiz highlights movie mayhem, decadent desserts and much more.—
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The suit also highlights the troubled safety record of Boeing’s MD-11 aircraft, calling it one of the most accident-prone commercial planes still in service.—
Verb
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The plaque is expected to find a temporary spot in the Senate in the coming days, while the architect of the Capitol identifies a more permanent home.—
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For someone who’s been an actor for 60 years and identifies so deeply with the work, that was an existential crisis.—
Verb
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The system features a robotic arm that mixes a wide range of cocktails with precision.—
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According to the person who described Tuesday's decisions to the AP, Quinn and Kingsbury met in the morning to talk about the future of the team's offense, which features quarterback Jayden Daniels.—
Verb
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Martin pinpoints a crucial scene just over halfway through the season.—
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The app also pinpoints nearby clinics, increasing awareness for women who may not have otherwise known about them.—
Cite this Entry
“Spotlights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlights. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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