subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät 
1
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
2
: a subdivision of an experimental plot of land
Examples of subplot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Littered with too many red herrings and subplots, the story leapfrogs about and prevents viewers from getting emotionally invested about solving the crime at its crux.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
The advice for England fans seeking levity and distraction amid the team’s intense start to their European Championship defence was to flick over to ITV X, the streaming platform for one of the UK’s Euros broadcasters, for the wildest subplot of the tournament.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
The conventionality that Gunn resorts to includes a subplot with the Green Lantern League, a jokey crew of XYZ-men knock-offs.
—Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025
Ultimately, the Antonio/Sebastian subplot feels like more of a distraction than an addition to the play’s already messy central relationships and complex gender dynamics.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
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.
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
The advice for England fans seeking levity and distraction amid the team’s intense start to their European Championship defence was to flick over to ITV X, the streaming platform for one of the UK’s Euros broadcasters, for the wildest subplot of the tournament.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
The conventionality that Gunn resorts to includes a subplot with the Green Lantern League, a jokey crew of XYZ-men knock-offs.
—Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025
Ultimately, the Antonio/Sebastian subplot feels like more of a distraction than an addition to the play’s already messy central relationships and complex gender dynamics.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
Cite this Entry
“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share