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
Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
Hardened violators often pitch out their firearms, spotlights, and other equipment used in breaking the law, know-ing that wardens must present such evidence in court to get a conviction.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Once the appeals are launched, regulatory spotlights are likely to be ramped up with big-bucks settlements paid out to keep the courts and lawmakers out of the matters.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Member spotlights include Mississippi, New Zealand, Finland, Iceland, New Mexico and Japan.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
This edition features community spotlights, profiles on local residents, and sports stories.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Nocturnal tourism done poorly, with bright spotlights that blind animals, off-trail moonlit ambles that destroy foliage, or unnecessary hotel illumination, can decimate local ecosystems.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026
This four-day celebration of the arts spotlights performances outside of conventional theater walls in more open and unique spaces, such as a boat, park or even in a bubble.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Experts typically recommend adding spotlights to showcase landscaping and walkway lights to illuminate paths leading to your front door or backyard.
—Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
Situated at the summit of Mount Davidson, the historic 103-foot-tall cross will be illuminated by spotlights beginning Saturday evening.
—Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
Hardened violators often pitch out their firearms, spotlights, and other equipment used in breaking the law, know-ing that wardens must present such evidence in court to get a conviction.
—Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Once the appeals are launched, regulatory spotlights are likely to be ramped up with big-bucks settlements paid out to keep the courts and lawmakers out of the matters.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Member spotlights include Mississippi, New Zealand, Finland, Iceland, New Mexico and Japan.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
This edition features community spotlights, profiles on local residents, and sports stories.
—Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Nocturnal tourism done poorly, with bright spotlights that blind animals, off-trail moonlit ambles that destroy foliage, or unnecessary hotel illumination, can decimate local ecosystems.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026
This four-day celebration of the arts spotlights performances outside of conventional theater walls in more open and unique spaces, such as a boat, park or even in a bubble.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Experts typically recommend adding spotlights to showcase landscaping and walkway lights to illuminate paths leading to your front door or backyard.
—Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotlights
Verb
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The Monarch's spa also focuses on restorative wellness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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The collection focuses on 10 historically significant objects from the Revolutionary period—ranging from everyday tools to powerful national symbols—which are each featured twice within the booklet.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But future business concerns were parked on Wednesday night as attentions turned to near-endless trays of champagne, cocktails and canapés.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
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Dedicates to vocal work, focuses attentions on her acting lessons, gives clear attention to her dancing.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The conflict highlights a broader shift in digital advertising.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Mar. 2026
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Police say the incident highlights the dangers of relying on driver-assist technology, noting those features are not a substitute for being conscious, alert and sober behind the wheel.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Utah also has more members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) than, well, anywhere else in the United States; approximately 42% of the state’s population identifies as Mormon.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
26 Mar. 2026
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Official Music Recognition, on the other hand, is a Shazam-like feature that identifies songs for you.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The decal features a common saying in intelligence circles.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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The neighborhood features the Dilworth historic district, known for its 19th-century luxury estates.—
Chase Jordan
March 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Smith correctly pinpoints the inception of consumer-grade technology and the rise of punk rock in New York as reasons for public access’ cult-like success.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2026
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Martin pinpoints a crucial scene just over halfway through the season.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spotlights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotlights. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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