elephant in the room
noun phrase
: an obvious major problem or issue that people avoid discussing or acknowledging
Examples of elephant in the room in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Trying to discuss the elephant in the room?
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Setting aside the governor’s preposterous revenue claims, the bigger elephant in the room is the ongoing frustration with Maryland’s current transit infrastructure.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2026
This year, the elephant in the room is the ongoing Iran war, which like last year’s wildfires, puts a celebration like the Oscars in sharp relief.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Of course, there is an elephant in the room.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elephant in the room
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Usa Today, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Setting aside the governor’s preposterous revenue claims, the bigger elephant in the room is the ongoing frustration with Maryland’s current transit infrastructure.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2026
This year, the elephant in the room is the ongoing Iran war, which like last year’s wildfires, puts a celebration like the Oscars in sharp relief.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Of course, there is an elephant in the room.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elephant in the room
Cite this Entry
“Elephant in the room.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant%20in%20the%20room. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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