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.
That elephant in the room shaped, in some ways, the relationship between Saban and Kiffin, according to those around the program. — John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026 The other elephant in the room is that money matters will feel more urgent this month, if not like a bit of a problem. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 Even knowing that, the competition has not found a simple way to match the elephant in the room. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 The British superstar addressed the elephant in the room during a Q&A session intended to be about the autumn/winter launch of his clothing line, Hopeium, on Thursday night. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for elephant in the room

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Browse Nearby Words

elephantine tortoise
elephant in the room
elephant iron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elephant in the room.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant%20in%20the%20room. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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