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.
The state's double jeopardy protections kick in if a jury has been sworn in a prior prosecution, such as a federal case, or if that prosecution ends in a guilty plea. Michael R. Sisak The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026 On Wednesday, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, which first filed murder charges, asked the judge overseeing the state case to order its trial for July — two months before the federal case. Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026 The Department of Justice is seeking the death penalty for Mangione if he is convicted in the federal case. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 29 Jan. 2026 In this federal case, the social media firms will argue against allegations that the design of the apps led to unhealthy and addictive behaviors in teens and children. Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Jan. 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 1 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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