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
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There are a lot more chuckles in Episode 2, not just because there is no longer a terrorist subplot and its resulting anxiety to be grappled with, but because Florence Welch, of Florence + the Machine, makes for such a sweet comic foil, of sorts.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Dec. 2025
For instance, while most of the movie is about the title character, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor played by Emma Mackey, there is an overlong subplot about Ella’s younger brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), that encapsulates the tonal dysfunction of the movie.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
Becky Ann Baker appears in one to scene as a plausibly manipulative mother-in-law to provide dramatic motivation for a crucial subplot.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Blair wanted to keep readers in mind through placement of easter eggs in Season 1 despite the show’s divergence from the book’s timeline and certain character subplots like Quinn’s piano background and mentor.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2025
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Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Dec. 2025
For instance, while most of the movie is about the title character, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor played by Emma Mackey, there is an overlong subplot about Ella’s younger brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), that encapsulates the tonal dysfunction of the movie.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
Becky Ann Baker appears in one to scene as a plausibly manipulative mother-in-law to provide dramatic motivation for a crucial subplot.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
Blair wanted to keep readers in mind through placement of easter eggs in Season 1 despite the show’s divergence from the book’s timeline and certain character subplots like Quinn’s piano background and mentor.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Dec. 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 24 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
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