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
The carnage that foreign objects could bring was only the tip of the iceberg.
—
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
In the hantavirus system, the observation of human cases is only the tip of the iceberg of complex processes involving wildlife and their environment.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
But this is just the tip of the iceberg — there are plenty more Prime Day deals for less than $50.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
But prominent neighborhood leaders and Indianapolis City-County Council members support the bank, saying the ATM is just the tip of the iceberg with regard to its new partnerships in the area.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
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.
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
In the hantavirus system, the observation of human cases is only the tip of the iceberg of complex processes involving wildlife and their environment.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
But this is just the tip of the iceberg — there are plenty more Prime Day deals for less than $50.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
But prominent neighborhood leaders and Indianapolis City-County Council members support the bank, saying the ATM is just the tip of the iceberg with regard to its new partnerships in the area.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
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 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share