cause célèbre

[kawz suh-leb-ruh, -leb, kohz sey-leb-r^uh] / ˈkɔz səˈlɛb rə, -ˈlɛb, koʊz seɪˈlɛb rə /

NOUN

controversial issue

Synonyms

WEAK

bone of contention celebrated case controversy debate grist for the gossip mill hot potato moot point political football scandal war of words

cause celebre

NOUN

celebrated case

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hot potato talk of the town uproar

WEAK

affair controversial case controversial issue controversy debate fuss grist for the gossip mill matter of the moment political football rumor scandal topic of the day war of words

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It has been a cause celebre in Germany ever since.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

An average of 6.26 million viewers tuned in to watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as the comedian addressed his suspension that became a free speech cause celebre, according to Nielsen.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025

Corporate governance in Japan has suddenly become a cause celebre, and seems to be rousing the world's third-largest stock market out of decades of lethargy.

From Reuters • Apr. 21, 2023

Recently, a few pets have become cause celebre when their X-ray images went viral.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2023

Her quest for Everest had turned into a minor cause celebre in Japan.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer