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.
An unknown caller claimed to be a Secret Service agent and told the woman to place money in a safe location as part of a federal case. — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 Five men who pleaded guilty in the Miami federal case, including a former senator in Haiti’s parliament, received life sentences, and are cooperating with prosecutors in hopes of receiving reductions. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026 GameDay host Pat McAfee, another polarizing figure, asked Kiffin about being sued by the SEC earlier this week as part of the federal case. — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 The federal case was based on allegations the social media giant misrepresented the extent of child mental health harms caused by apps like Facebook and Instagram. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 27 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Federal case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federal%20case. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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