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.
Photograph: Nintendo Finally—after years of rumors and months of leaks, Nintendo has confirmed the biggest open secret in gaming: The Switch 2 is releasing this year. Matt Kamen, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025 The wand’s open secret reputation as more than a sports massager spread through whisper networks of people who had attended the classes — and beyond. Quispe López, Them, 19 Sep. 2024 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 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 16 Feb. 2025.

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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