subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
Synonyms of subplotnext
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
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His adjustment, with a team that has been the definition of mediocre, winning between 79 and 81 games in each of the past four seasons, will be one of the season’s most interesting subplots. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026 The Netflix hit has always tried to balance subplots within each season, while maintaining a central focus on one key couple throughout. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026 As such, in several colliding subplots, Jeremy Bradford (Charlie Evans) leads Agent Robinson (Krys Marshall) and Paradise architect Anders (Erik Svedberg-Zelman) to destroy the reserves in order to force the bunker’s doors open, allowing its residents to choose where to go next. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026 One subplot to watch going forward is sophomore guard Jordan Lee's foul troubles. Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subplot

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subplot was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

subplot

noun
sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

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