open secret

noun

Synonyms of open secretnext
: 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.
Five other people at Bryan told The Marshall Project and NBC News that her connection to Smith was an open secret at the prison. Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026 Economically depressed, Garberville depends on an illicit economy — cannabis production — that is the town’s most open secret. Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026 Banksy’s apparent identity has been an open secret among protective fellow artists, and long been easy to find online for those who wanted to know. Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 Banksy’s apparent identity has been an open secret among protective fellow artists, and long been easy to find online for those who wanted to know. Laurie Kellman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Open secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20secret. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

open secret

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

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