cause célèbre

noun

ˌkȯz-sə-ˈleb How to pronounce cause célèbre (audio)
variants also cause celebre
Definition of cause célèbrenext
as in celebrity
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about a cause célèbre from some reality TV show whose fame hadn't even lasted the proverbial 15 minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cause célèbre Peters, who is 70 years old, is a cause celebre among those who insist the 2020 election was stolen. — Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026 Peters' release has become a cause celebre in the election conspiracy movement. — CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026 Their case became a cause celebre and a polarizing one. — Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2025 Their fight became a cause celebre for the left, with powerful Democratic governors like California’s Gavin Newsom and Illinois’ JB Pritzker joining the cause and many cheering them on. — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cause célèbre
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cause célèbre
  1. celebrity
  2. star
  3. name
  4. personality
  5. superstar
  6. hero
Noun
  • Goodtime, originally with celebrity backing from musician Pharrell Williams and entertainment mogul David Grutman, was auctioned off by lenders in a foreclosure action earlier this year.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Even during the match, cameramen and directors were obsessed with seeking out celebrities.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of celebrity
Noun
  • The ability to walk from your bed to the sand and stare at the sea is the star of the show here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Founder of the casual sushi bowl favorite Wabi Sabi, Perez Miranda is also the owner of Midorie and Ogawa in Little River, which earned a Michelin star in 2024.
    — Connie Ogle July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • The name came from the orange stripe painted across the 55-gallon drums where the chemical mix was stored.
    — Nicole Borman, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • However, during the 13 weeks the request was under review, her name appeared weekly on a list of employees flagged for failing to follow the return-to-work policy, according to her lawsuit.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of name
Noun
  • To produce the coverage, Telemundo deployed more than 80 on-air personalities representing every Latin American country in the tournament, generating over 700 hours of original programming across 39 days.
    — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Ruled by the sun, this Fire sign has a big heart, a big personality… and sometimes an even bigger ego!
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • In a World Cup dominated by superstars, Rodri arguably shone brighter than anyone else.
    — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Donald apparently began to entertain the idea of a comeback early last month after the Rams acquired superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett in a trade with Cleveland.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of superstar
Noun
  • The Ukrainian president received a bipartisan hero’s welcome in Washington, contrasting with tense previous visits.
    — Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 29 July 2026
  • With Logout’s punk credentials and Margo XS’s keen ear for self-referential, post-hyperpop production, HARDBODY’s hero’s journey is sarcastically relatable, like getting roasted in the group chat for last night’s shenanigans.
    — Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
Definition of hero

Browse Nearby Words

cause
cause célèbre
caused
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Cite this Entry

“Cause célèbre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cause%20c%C3%A9l%C3%A8bre. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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