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
  • Johnson looked to Tracey Cunningham—the celebrity colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional US creative director of color and technique—for the job.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of celebrity
Noun
  • Brad Pitt sent a message to George Clooney as the Michael Clayton star was honored Wednesday at the Venice International Film Festival.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Marchese spent the past 12 years as a senior executive at Studio71, another creator media firm that handled distribution and advertising sales representation for a range of digital-native stars.
    — William Earl, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of star
Noun
  • For these brands, lab-grown is in the name, and their styles are more akin to traditional natural diamond brands.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That’s an appealing quality for Hegseth, who wants Parnell for the job, a second administration official said — and his name has been mentioned for a while now, given that Driscoll’s departure by the end of the year was expected.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of name
Noun
  • Of course, Sophie-Rose and her friend Garrett (social-media personality Jake Shane) have no reason to care about Billie at all.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The media personality recently shared an Instagram Reel promoting her podcast interview with author Virginia Evans (The Correspondent) while wearing a striped button-up blouse.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Alexandria Eala, a rising global superstar, draws a new Filipino fanbase.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Regardless of Ohtani’s status for Sunday, the superstar’s feedback will continue to play a large role in the Dodgers’ decision-making.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of superstar
Noun
  • Before Bret can continue to self-identify as Shakespeare’s most famous hero, he’s questioned by Detectives Donaldson and Fregosi, who wonder if Bret isn’t being honest about the nature of his relationship with Matt.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The problem is exacerbated by Mark Wahlberg, pretty handily the most constitutionally unlikely Burton hero of all time.
    — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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