open secret

noun

: a supposedly secret but generally known matter

Examples of open secret in a Sentence

It's an open secret that he's been cheating on his wife.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The dispatch of North Korean soldiers’ to Russia is still an open secret within the secluded regime which has limited access to news from the outside world. Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 16 Jan. 2025 The league’s consideration of the venue for the final has been an open secret since the Current’s home opener at the start of the season. Meg Linehan, The Athletic, 3 July 2024 Oil is an open secret, the shadow side of our petroleum-hungry moment. Hazlitt, 21 Aug. 2024 The allegations span two decades and have sparked a wider conversation in the TV sector over presenter behavior and open secrets. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for open secret 

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open secret was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near open secret

Cite this Entry

“Open secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20secret. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

open secret

noun
: something supposed to be a secret but in fact generally known

More from Merriam-Webster on open secret

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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