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
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.
Powell on Miran and Fed independence The Fed’s latest decision was pivotal, but the elephant in the room was Trump’s aggressive efforts to reshape the central bank’s top ranks. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025 The elephant in the room, of course, is that Giménez could very well be the team's shortstop next season if Bichette signs elsewhere in free agency. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 Still, the elephant in the room remains the People’s Party’s attitude toward Thailand’s sacrosanct monarchy, since reform of Article 112 lay behind Move Forward’s dissolution. Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 Specifically, the elephant in the room has always been Metallica. Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elephant in the room

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elephant in the room was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Elephant in the room.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant%20in%20the%20room. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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