federal case

noun

: big deal
don't make a federal case out of it

Examples of federal case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the federal case, Block was among a group of 13 people who investigators linked with a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026 Since the franchise's inception in the early 2000s, some of the cast members have made headlines for very real legal troubles, ranging from misdemeanors to major federal cases. Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 She is also being criminally prosecuted in a federal case over the matter. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2026 There’s been some speculation that there’s a parallel federal case going on. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for federal case

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of federal case was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Federal case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federal%20case. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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