the tip of the iceberg

noun phrase

: a small part of something (such as a problem) that is seen or known about when there is a much larger part that is not seen or known about
The news is shocking, but we may find out that the stories we've heard so far are just the tip of the iceberg.

Examples of the tip of the iceberg in a Sentence

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 capital region is just the tip of the iceberg, though. Matt Alderton, USA Today, 24 May 2025 And online bullying is just the tip of the iceberg. Lauren Coulman, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 But that turned out to be only the tip of the iceberg. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025 Her unusual comments in the video are only the tip of the iceberg. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The tip of the iceberg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20tip%20of%20the%20iceberg. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!