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 But the open secret among data watchers is that YouTube has emerged as one the biggest threats eating the traditional media companies’ lunch. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024 The open secret of workers’ relationship with the gentry, in Eliot, is that their labor makes its gentility possible. Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for open secret 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open secret.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Jun. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!