subliminal

adjective

sub·​lim·​i·​nal (ˌ)sə-ˈbli-mə-nᵊl How to pronounce subliminal (audio)
1
: inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception
2
: existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness
the subliminal mind
subliminal advertising
subliminally adverb

Did you know?

Since the Latin word limen means "threshold", something subliminal exists just below the threshold of conscious awareness. The classic example of a subliminal message is "Eat popcorn" flashed on a movie screen so quickly that the audience doesn't even notice it consciously. Actually, no such advertising has ever been shown to work. But ordinary ads, both in print and on TV, do contain all kinds of images that shape our response to the product being advertised even when we don't realize it. Try looking carefully at some ads that you like, in order to discover how many ways they may be subliminally affecting you.

Examples of subliminal in a Sentence

The studio denied the existence of subliminal messages in the movie. I am skeptical that subliminal advertising actually works.
Recent Examples on the Web In children’s literature, where subliminal messaging can be an art form, the message here is an allowance for the full spectrum of emotions. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 The far-off storm flashing on the horizon expels my subliminal rage. Chloe Bottero, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2024 That’s an awful lot to ask people to infer from a montage, though Ayer mostly just wants to rev up our imaginations, judging by the quick, nearly subliminal shot of an American flag superimposed on an active beehive. Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Jan. 2024 Zack Martin was sending subliminal messages to the Cowboys’ fan base and the media this summer. Calvin Watkins, Dallas News, 19 July 2023 Her hometown of Los Angeles serves as something of a subliminal backdrop to the songs’ narrative. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024 The messages — overt and subliminal — that Zelma receives from her family and Soviet institutions about a woman’s role and duties are pretty typical for a young female of her time and place. Alissa Simon, Variety, 21 Dec. 2023 The vibrant sequence is dripping in period nostalgia with a sci-fi twist, and visuals unravel through a single upward camera move — a subliminal nod imitating the path of flight. Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2023 East Asian Appearance subliminal (powerful) pinktherapy Watch later Share Copy link Info Shopping Tap to unmute If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Emi Tuyetnhi Tran, NBC News, 30 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subliminal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

sub- + Latin limin-, limen threshold

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subliminal was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near subliminal

Cite this Entry

“Subliminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subliminal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

subliminal

adjective
sub·​lim·​i·​nal (ˌ)səb-ˈlim-ən-ᵊl How to pronounce subliminal (audio)
ˈsəb-
1
: not strong enough to produce a sensation or a mental awareness
subliminal stimuli
2
: existing or functioning below the level of conscious awareness
the subliminal mind
subliminal advertising
subliminally
adverb

Medical Definition

subliminal

adjective
sub·​lim·​i·​nal (ˌ)səb-ˈlim-ən-ᵊl, ˈsəb- How to pronounce subliminal (audio)
1
: inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception
2
: existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness
the subliminal mind
subliminal advertising
subliminally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on subliminal

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