open secret

noun

Synonyms of open secret

: 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 destruction of unsold inventory is an open secret in fashion, even though exposure of the practice inevitably sparks public outrage. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Distillation is an open secret among rivals in the US tech sector. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 July 2026 But McDaniel said Strauss' behavior had been an open secret for years. — CBS News, 4 June 2026 How online sleuths impact reality TV The open secret of reality TV is that the producers control the narrative. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 1 June 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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Browse Nearby Words

open season

open secret

open section

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

open secret

noun

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

open secret

noun

Examples of open secret in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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