cause celebre

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

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

cause célèbre

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

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

Among Goddard alumni are actor William H. Macy, playwright David Mamet, jailed activist and cause celebre Mumia Abu-Jamal, and some members of the rock band Phish.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

Tuvalu, a group of nine islands and 12,000 people halfway between Australia and Hawaii, has long been a cause celebre for the risks of climate change and rising sea levels.

From Reuters • Nov. 15, 2022

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

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer