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.

A yearning for the limelight led to a 2015 meeting with Hollywood star Sean Penn and Mexican actress Kate del Castillo in the wilds of Sinaloa to discuss a possible biopic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 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

Never once did you complain or look to be in the limelight.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

China has not sought the limelight in peace building efforts, reiterating only that it has been mediating and encouraging an end to hostilities.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

But of course limelight is white, not green—chemical lime, not citrus.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing limelight

Bronx Masquerade

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A Deadly Wandering

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Baseball in April

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