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.
Kerr wasn’t part of the federal case against Smith-Griffin, who is awaiting trial. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026 Kaplan and Agnifilo are representing Mangione in his parallel state and federal cases in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026 Kaplan and Agnifilo are representing Mangione in his parallel state and federal cases in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, Vance Boelter, the man accused of killing the Hortmans and attacking the Hoffman family on June 14, faces federal as well as state charges and may face the death penalty in the federal case. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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