variants
also cause celebre
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
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Recent Examples of cause célèbre
The idea has become a cause celebre in certain circles.
—
Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Ever since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos outside the womb are considered children, the fertility treatment known as in vitro fertilization has become a political cause celebre.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
In fact, he’s become an unexpected new conservative cause celebre as a growing contingent of commentators take his side.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Jurors heard closing arguments Tuesday in the case of Daniel Penny, who has become a cause celebre for some of President-elect 's closest allies.
, a 26-year-old former Marine, is charged in a New York state court with second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide.
—Sean O'Driscoll, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
The case also became a cause celebre among Republican presidential hopefuls.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
Ever since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos outside the womb are considered children, the fertility treatment known as in vitro fertilization has become a political cause celebre.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
Opposition to non-compete agreements has become a new cause celebre on the left.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 21 Nov. 2023
Since then, his fortunes apparently have changed and Floyd has become a something of a cause celebre in conservative circles.
—Chris Joyner, ajc, 29 Aug. 2023
Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Ever since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos outside the womb are considered children, the fertility treatment known as in vitro fertilization has become a political cause celebre.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
In fact, he’s become an unexpected new conservative cause celebre as a growing contingent of commentators take his side.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Jurors heard closing arguments Tuesday in the case of Daniel Penny, who has become a cause celebre for some of President-elect 's closest allies.
, a 26-year-old former Marine, is charged in a New York state court with second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide.
—Sean O'Driscoll, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
The case also became a cause celebre among Republican presidential hopefuls.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
Ever since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos outside the womb are considered children, the fertility treatment known as in vitro fertilization has become a political cause celebre.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
Opposition to non-compete agreements has become a new cause celebre on the left.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 21 Nov. 2023
Since then, his fortunes apparently have changed and Floyd has become a something of a cause celebre in conservative circles.
—Chris Joyner, ajc, 29 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cause célèbre
Noun
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Also an elite golfer, Pavelski had an opportunity to kiss a trophy on Sunday, when he was presented with a crystal chalice after a walk-off eagle gave him first place at the 2025 American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Angelina Liu,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Previous Lumiere honorees include some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Jane Fonda, Francis Ford Coppola, Quentin Tarantino, and Tim Burton, alongside European stars, such as Isabelle Huppert and Catherine Deneuve.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
11 July 2025
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In the second match of the semifinals, Sinner will face No. 6 Novak Djokovic, in a contest between one of tennis’ newer stars with a likely dominant career ahead, and one who is among the greatest ever to play but is now age 38.—
Jess Bryant,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Kylie Cooper | Reuters 'Not as edgy as before' Through word of mouth and social media, Target's name became synonymous over the years with fashion-forward finds for less.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
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The Trump Administration’s executive orders on nuclear energy gut regulation in the name of efficiency and cost-cuts.—
Time,
Time,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Renegade Paws Rescue's honest assessment of Igor's personality garnered the attention of thousands of animal lovers, who shared the post over 35,000 times.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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As for the new cast members, Vergara is a media personality, actor and real estate professional whose career spans television, entertainment journalism and luxury real estate.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Only time will tell, but the Fever are proud of their superstar.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
-
Roberts left the door open for Betts to sit Sunday, too, as the Dodgers hope their superstar can generate some positive offensive momentum.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
Survivors and former campers praised his legacy, describing him as a hero whose final act was one of selfless courage.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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As Superman’s main love interest, Lois is nearly as iconic as the hero himself!—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cause célèbre.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cause%20c%C3%A9l%C3%A8bre. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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