spotlight
1 of 2noun
spot·light ˈspät-ˌlīt 
1
a
: a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage
b
: public notice or attention
held the political spotlight
2
a
: a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area
b
: something that illuminates brilliantly
spotlight
2 of 2verb
spotlighted or spotlit; spotlighting
transitive verb
1
: to illuminate with a spotlight
2
: to direct attention to : highlight
Synonyms
Noun
- catbird seat
- center stage
- limelight
- top billing
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun They aimed the spotlight at the center of the stage. A spotlight moved across the stage. The actor stood in the spotlight. a baseball star who hates the spotlight They're always in the spotlight. The news article turned the spotlight on the city's financial problems. Verb She was spotlighted as she sang her solo. The news spotlighted the city's financial problems. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2022 High school football season opens Thursday night and there will be some familiar names and teams back in the spotlight while other teams will be rebuilding as top players have graduated. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2022 Now, after nearly four decades, this elegant leader is finally getting her time in the spotlight, with O'Reilly starring in the upcoming Disney+ series Andor. Devan Coggan, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2022 At the two-dozen movie mark, Natasha Romanoff finally gets her time in the spotlight. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 Blanchett will be in the spotlight again this year as the star of Todd Field’s third feature, Tár, playing a fictional composer who becomes the first female conductor of a German orchestra. Gregg Kilday, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2022 From Sarah Valenzuela: After two games in the spotlight, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge got lost early in the pitching duel between Angels starter Patrick Sandoval and New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole on Wednesday in Anaheim. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2022 This is not the first time the Hanover County School District has been in the spotlight over its policies — or lack thereof — regarding transgender students. Zachary Schermele, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2022 Now, Saylor once again finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Will Daniel, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2022 Fox News, 31 Aug. 2022 Guests can also enjoy creative dining experiences that spotlight the regional cuisine while enjoying the views of the Escalante Mountains and Mount Dutton in the background. Dana Givens, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2022 This means hosting more county events that spotlight safety, getting more officers out of their cars, and interacting with the community. Nick Johnson, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2022 The exterior has a DWR finish for stain and water resistance to protect the pretty designs that spotlight iconic national parks, such as Glacier, Denali, Grand Teton, and Olympic. Outside Online, 27 Aug. 2021 Separately, Maloney faced intraparty criticism for the party's House campaign arm choosing to spotlight far-right candidates and influence GOP primaries. Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2022 With his backup dancers and during solo moments, J-Hope got to spotlight his dance skills and reset the mood. Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2022 To promote broader team connection, host regular motivational meetings to spotlight members and provide the chance to share extracurricular interests and project highlights. Janine Worthington, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021 Border security is top of mind with Republican voters in Ohio and across the country, and the new ad is the latest in the GOP primary race to spotlight the issue. Paul Steinhauser, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2022 See More
Noun
My Mom Died details her fraught relationship with her late mother Debbie McCurdy while growing up in the spotlight. Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2022 High school football season opens Thursday night and there will be some familiar names and teams back in the spotlight while other teams will be rebuilding as top players have graduated. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2022 Now, after nearly four decades, this elegant leader is finally getting her time in the spotlight, with O'Reilly starring in the upcoming Disney+ series Andor. Devan Coggan, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2022 At the two-dozen movie mark, Natasha Romanoff finally gets her time in the spotlight. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 Blanchett will be in the spotlight again this year as the star of Todd Field’s third feature, Tár, playing a fictional composer who becomes the first female conductor of a German orchestra. Gregg Kilday, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2022 From Sarah Valenzuela: After two games in the spotlight, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge got lost early in the pitching duel between Angels starter Patrick Sandoval and New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole on Wednesday in Anaheim. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2022 This is not the first time the Hanover County School District has been in the spotlight over its policies — or lack thereof — regarding transgender students. Zachary Schermele, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2022 Now, Saylor once again finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Will Daniel, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2022 Verb
Here's a look at 10 amazing facts that spotlight a red-hot American destination. Fox News, 31 Aug. 2022 Guests can also enjoy creative dining experiences that spotlight the regional cuisine while enjoying the views of the Escalante Mountains and Mount Dutton in the background. Dana Givens, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2022 This means hosting more county events that spotlight safety, getting more officers out of their cars, and interacting with the community. Nick Johnson, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2022 The exterior has a DWR finish for stain and water resistance to protect the pretty designs that spotlight iconic national parks, such as Glacier, Denali, Grand Teton, and Olympic. Outside Online, 27 Aug. 2021 Separately, Maloney faced intraparty criticism for the party's House campaign arm choosing to spotlight far-right candidates and influence GOP primaries. Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2022 With his backup dancers and during solo moments, J-Hope got to spotlight his dance skills and reset the mood. Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2022 To promote broader team connection, host regular motivational meetings to spotlight members and provide the chance to share extracurricular interests and project highlights. Janine Worthington, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021 Border security is top of mind with Republican voters in Ohio and across the country, and the new ad is the latest in the GOP primary race to spotlight the issue. Paul Steinhauser, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1907, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Phrases Containing spotlight
Kids Definition
spotlight 1 of 2
noun
spot·light ˈspät-ˌlīt
1
: a spot of light used to show up a particular area, person, or thing (as on a stage)
2
: public notice
She's a celebrity but doesn't like the spotlight.
3
: a lamp used to direct a narrow strong beam of light on a small area
spotlight
2 of 2verb
spotlighted or spotlit
ˈspät-ˌlit
; spotlighting 1
: to light up with or as if with a spotlight
2
: to bring to public attention
spotlight 1 of 2
noun
as in limelight
the center of public attention reality show contestants who become addicted to the spotlight Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- limelight
- attention
- center stage
- top billing
- catbird seat
- heed
- notice
- front burner
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- back burner
spotlight
2 of 2verb
as in to focus
Synonyms & Similar Words
- focus
- highlight
- feature
- identify
- pinpoint
- emphasize
- foreground
- accent
- accentuate
- play up
- stress
- punctuate
- press
- illuminate
- publicize
- advertise
- plug
- promote
- point (up)
- boost
- overplay
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- tone (down)
- de-emphasize
- minimize
- play down
- underemphasize
- discount
- understate
- disparage
- belittle