limelight

Definitions

The focus of public attention or interest.

A type of bright light formerly used in theaters, produced by heating a cylinder of quicklime in an oxyhydrogen flame.

Examples

The young actor was uncomfortable being in the limelight after his breakout performance.

She has spent most of her career avoiding the limelight to focus on her private life.

The new policy change has suddenly thrust the department into the political limelight.

Synonyms

spotlight publicity attention fame prominence glare exposure

Antonyms

obscurity shadows background privacy seclusion anonymity solitude