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.

The idea has become a cause celebre in certain circles.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025

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

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2023

Luetzerath has become a cause celebre for critics of Germany’s climate efforts.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 14, 2023

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

I would make the case a cause celebre, and make them regret they had ever charged me in the first place.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela