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.
Blazy arrived at Bottega after a nearly 20-year career as a deputy at work in the shadows, a secret weapon who had become an open secret. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025 For the better part of a decade, Beijing’s approach to digital copyright was an open secret: grow at all costs. Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 This was an open secret, reported at the time and arising even in Moyers’s documentary. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025 The outlet noted this was an open secret in most Hollywood circles. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025 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 20 Oct. 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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