as in spotlight
the center of public attention
an actress who discovered that the limelight was not such a glowing experience when her privacy was invaded
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Recent Examples of limelight
The series turned Van Der Beek into a youth heartthrob and catapulted him into the national limelight.
—
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
While much of the debate (and excitement) centers on the selection of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the headliner, punk rock fans are eager to see how and what opening band Green Day will do with its moment in the national limelight.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Automotive companies like Ford and GM usually get the most limelight, but there were many others, like Singer, a company that normally makes sewing machines, that started making firearm components.
—New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
Saunders turns out to be one of two dancers spotlighted in Episode 2 who thought their on-stage careers were over before they got thrust into as big a limelight as show business has ever seen as part of the Eras Tour.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for limelight
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
While much of the debate (and excitement) centers on the selection of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the headliner, punk rock fans are eager to see how and what opening band Green Day will do with its moment in the national limelight.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Automotive companies like Ford and GM usually get the most limelight, but there were many others, like Singer, a company that normally makes sewing machines, that started making firearm components.
—New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
Saunders turns out to be one of two dancers spotlighted in Episode 2 who thought their on-stage careers were over before they got thrust into as big a limelight as show business has ever seen as part of the Eras Tour.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for limelight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for limelight
Noun
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This leadership follows a congressional report showing foreign adversaries are actively influencing American academia — shining a spotlight on Indiana and Purdue University, in particular, as both a model for reform and a case study in risk.—
Joe Gebbia Sr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Dinner is offered both à la carte and as a set tasting menu that spotlights refined Italian cooking and seasonal ingredients.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Companies are required, under threat of criminal penalties, to bring new information to the government’s attention.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Lawyers who represent Silicon Valley’s biggest AI firms are paying attention.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Limelight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/limelight. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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