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
  • In the time since her sudden death, celebrities publicly mourning include Viola Davis, Selma Blair, and Rosie O’Donnell.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But that enchantment began long before the beach clubs and celebrity sightings.
    — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of celebrity
Noun
  • The one-time child star had spoken openly about navigating addiction and postpartum depression in her adult life, documenting those struggles as well as the painful loss of her brother in a memoir released this year.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the book, the star detailed her prolific and sometimes difficult career in show business; growing up under the harsh light of Hollywood; and the highs and lows of filming hit TV shows like Heroes and Nashville, and more.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • Shortly after Lyons' email, Charles forwarded the message to a group of officials whose names are redacted.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Shortly after Lyon's email, Charles forwarded the message to a group of officials whose names are redacted.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of name
Noun
  • Male actors seem to be given more leeway than female stars to display bigger personalities without the public turning on them.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The approaches may differ, the personalities may differ and the environments definitely differ.
    — Elise Devlin, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Mitchell is now two games shy of tying the WNBA record of 20 consecutive 20-point games, which is currently held by Las Vegas Aces superstar and four-time league MVP A’ja Wilson.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And hey, if the superstar was feeling a little low, what better pick-me-up than karaoke with Chrissie Hynde or a heart-to-heart in the ladies’ with ennui expert Lena Dunham?
    — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of superstar
Noun
  • The Toronto Blue Jays have been holding out for a hero, just one bat to carry an offence desperate for star production.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Bowers notes that the story is about a man who is avoiding becoming a hero again and doesn’t feel like a hero.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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