upstager
Spotlight-grabbing performer
An upstager is someone who draws attention away from others, stealing the spotlight.
The term comes from theater, where moving upstage forces other actors to turn away from the audience.
Beyond performance, it describes anyone who diverts attention to themselves: She's such an upstager—she announced her engagement at my birthday party.
Performer eclipsing the lead
- divaCelebrated female vocalist
- prima donnaTemperamental, self-important person
- grandstanderOne who seeks applause
- hamCured pig thigh
showboat · attention-seeker · limelight · centerstage · understudy · curtain call · encore · ovation
One striving against others
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
- one-upperPerson who outdoes others
- show-offOne who flaunts
- overachieverOne exceeding all expectations
adversary · contender · antagonist · foe · opponent · usurper · supplanter · dethroner
Thing that captivates notice
- interrupterOne who cuts in
- narcissistSelf-obsessed person
- egotistSelf-absorbed person
- peacockOrnate pheasant relative
scene-stealer
Performer eclipsing the lead
- divaCelebrated female vocalist
- prima donnaTemperamental, self-important person
- grandstanderOne who seeks applause
ham · showboat · attention-seeker · limelight · centerstage · understudy · curtain call · encore · ovation · marquee
competitor
One striving against others
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
- one-upperPerson who outdoes others
- show-offOne who flaunts
overachiever · adversary · contender · antagonist · foe · opponent · usurper · supplanter · dethroner
attention-grabber
Thing that captivates notice
- interrupterOne who cuts in
- narcissistSelf-obsessed person
- egotistSelf-absorbed person
peacock · braggart · boaster · dominator · alpha · bulldozer
upstagerteam player
One who collaborates willingly
supporter · collaborator · wingman · hype man · encourager