Definitions

limelight

[lahym-lahyt] / ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt /

NOUN

public attention

Synonyms

STRONGEST

glare prominence public eye spotlight

STRONG

eminence exposure hype renown

WEAK

fifteen minutes of fame focus of attention media attention photo opportunity public interest public notice public recognition

Antonyms

STRONGEST

obscurity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Wednesday morning, the votes were still being counted, but Pratt looked likely to finish second—good enough for a runoff with Bass and a few more months in the limelight.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

I honestly think I see the best side of people who are in the limelight.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

While stock markets dazzled investors in April, largely neglected cryptocurrencies seem ready to fight for the limelight in May.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

The result: A new generation of defense startups is entering the limelight.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

I could have told you this at the height of his reputation, just as I could have predicted his downfall after a few short years in the limelight.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Vocabulary lists containing limelight

Bronx Masquerade

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A Deadly Wandering

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Baseball in April

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