Highlight — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈhī-ˌlīt/ high·light

Meaning & Definition of Highlight

Highlight (noun)

  1. something (such as an event or detail) that is of major significance or special interest
  2. a summary of the most significant or interesting parts of something (such as a completed sporting event) presented typically on a television broadcast —usually plural
  3. a spot or area that is lighter than surrounding spots or areas

Highlight (verb)

  1. to throw a strong light on
  2. to center attention on, emphasize, stress
  3. to constitute a significant or especially interesting part of, to constitute a highlight of

Highlight (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to indicate the importance of by centering attention on

    "according to the TV schedule, this week's Astronomy Today highlights the accomplishments of Maria Mitchell"

    similar: accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, punctuate, stress, bear down on, make much of
    related: focus, identify, pinpoint, spotlight, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize, overplay
    opposite: de-emphasize, play down
    near: tone (down), underemphasize, understate, belittle, discount, disparage, minimize

Highlight (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in break, clincher

    similar: break, capper, clincher, crusher, topper, climacteric, climax, corner, landmark, milepost, milestone, turning point, watershed, conversion, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation, turnabout, turnaround, boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, Dunkirk, emergency, exigency, extremity, flash point, head, juncture, zero hour

  2. as in feature, attraction

    similar: attraction, feature, pièce de résistance, showpiece, distinction, excellence, merit, value, virtue, boast, credit, crown jewel, glory, honor, jewel, pride, treasure, trophy
    opposite: disgrace, dishonor, blemish, blot, defect, shame, slur, smirch, smudge, stain, stigma, eyesore, fright, horror, mess

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Highlight

The most common words with a similar meaning to Highlight:

accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, punctuate, stress, bear down on, make much of, break, capper, clincher, crusher, topper, climacteric, climax, corner, landmark, milepost, milestone, turning point, watershed, conversion, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation, turnabout, turnaround, boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Highlight

Words with the opposite meaning of Highlight:

de-emphasize, play down, disgrace, dishonor, blemish, blot, defect, shame, slur, smirch, smudge, stain, stigma, eyesore, fright, horror, mess

Related Words for Highlight

focus, identify, pinpoint, spotlight, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize, overplay

Near Antonyms of Highlight

tone (down), underemphasize, understate, belittle, discount, disparage, minimize

Word Forms of Highlight

Inflections: highlights, highlighted, highlighting

Origin & Etymology of Highlight

First known use: 1658

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Highlight

  • Topics: Common Actions / Verbs

Frequently Asked Questions about Highlight

What does "Highlight" mean?

"Highlight" means something (such as an event or detail) that is of major significance or special interest. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: something (such as an event or detail) that is of major significance or special interest. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Highlight"?

Other words for "Highlight" include accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, illuminate, play up and point (up). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Highlight" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Highlight"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Highlight". Common alternatives include accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, foreground, illuminate, play up, point (up), press and punctuate.

What is the opposite of "Highlight"?

Antonyms of "Highlight" include de-emphasize, play down, disgrace, dishonor, blemish, blot, defect and shame. Near antonyms include tone (down), underemphasize, understate and belittle.

How do you use "Highlight" in a sentence?

Examples of "Highlight" in a sentence: "according to the TV schedule, this week's Astronomy Today highlights the accomplishments of Maria Mitchell".

Is "Highlight" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Highlight" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Highlight"?

"Highlight" is pronounced /ˈhī-ˌlīt/ and divided into syllables as high·light.

What is the origin of the word "Highlight"?

First known use: 1658.