Word Explorer

Spotlight

A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Spotlight"

noun

1
A bright, directional light or lamp, especially one used to illuminate the focus or center of attention on a stage.
2
The circle of light shed by a spotlight.
3
The center of attention; the highlight or most important part.
"Some people enjoy the spotlight."

verb

1
To illuminate with a spotlight.
"We spotlight the star, but the supporting cast has all the great lines in this scene."
2
To draw attention to.
"The news series served to spotlight corruption."

🔄 Synonyms of "Spotlight"

6 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
highlightverb	(transitive) To make prominent; emphasize.
spotnoun	A round or irregular patch on the surface of a thing having a different color, texture etc. and generally round in shape.
foregroundnoun	(computing, often attributive) The application the user is currently interacting with; the application window that appears in front of all others.
limelightnoun	(by extension) Attention, notice, a starring or central role, present fame; spotlight.
play upverb	(transitive) To make or attempt to make something appear more important, likely, or obvious; to showcase or highlight.
public eyenoun	(with definite article) The focus of public attention; the limelight.

↔️ Antonyms of "Spotlight"

Words with the opposite meaning.

Word	Definition
backgroundnoun	A part of the picture that depicts scenery to the rear or behind the main subject; context.
play downverb	(idiomatic, transitive) To make or attempt to make something seem less important, likely, or obvious.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Spotlight"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
limelightnoun	(by extension) Attention, notice, a starring or central role, present fame; spotlight.
foregroundnoun	(computing, often attributive) The application the user is currently interacting with; the application window that appears in front of all others.
spotnoun	A round or irregular patch on the surface of a thing having a different color, texture etc. and generally round in shape.
highlightnoun	(figurative) An especially significant or interesting detail or event or period of time.
public eyenoun	(with definite article) The focus of public attention; the limelight.
play upverb	(transitive) To make or attempt to make something appear more important, likely, or obvious; to showcase or highlight.
shadownoun	A dark image projected onto a surface where light (or other radiation) is blocked by the shade of an object.
searchlightnoun	A light source that projects a bright beam of light in any direction, generally for military use.
focusnoun	(uncountable) Concentration of attention.
reflectornoun	Something which reflects heat, light or sound, especially something having a reflecting surface.
pharenoun	lighthouse
lampnoun	A device that generates heat, light or other radiation. Especially an electric light bulb.
microscopenoun	An optical instrument used for observing small objects.
lightnoun	(physics, uncountable) Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range visible to the human eye (about 400–750 nanometers): visible light.
lumennoun	(physics) In the International System of Units, the derived unit of luminous flux; the light that is emitted in a solid angle of one steradian from a source of one candela. Symbol: lm.
scenenoun	The location of an event that attracts attention.
headingnoun	The title or topic of a document, article, chapter, or of a section thereof.
directionalnoun	Something that indicates direction, such as a vehicle's turn signal.
arenanoun	The building housing such an area; specifically, a very large, often round building, often topped with a dome, designated for indoor sporting or other major events, such as concerts.
stagenoun	A phase.