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 That the 1990s reforms have failed has been an open secret for years among advocates, lawyers and judges, who have repeatedly called for an overhaul. Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 7 Mar. 2024 The slowly bubbling cauldron gradually perfumes the air through the night, spreading through the sleeping house like an open secret. Benjamin Dubow, Longreads, 20 Feb. 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 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

open secret

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

More from Merriam-Webster on open secret

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