subliminal

adjective

sub·​lim·​i·​nal (ˌ)sə-ˈbli-mə-nᵊl 

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

No wonder the movie keeps cutting to nearly subliminal flashbacks of Brosnahan — an overcompensating attempt to fill the void where its heart should be. —A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2025

The workmanship shows in the color and precision of the grout, the mottling of dark flecks, and the triangular pieces where the arches meet — details that give the façade a subliminal liveliness. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025

Both these men think of interiors as subliminal ways to read someone’s psyche. —Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024

The two musicians recently traded subliminal messages across social media indicating that cheating may be an issue for one party. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

sub- + Latin limin-, limen threshold

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subliminal

• noncriminal
• criminal
• liminal

Kids Definition

subliminal

adjective

sub·​lim·​i·​nal (ˌ)səb-ˈlim-ən-ᵊl 

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

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

subliminal

adjective

sub·​lim·​i·​nal (ˌ)səb-ˈlim-ən-ᵊl, ˈsəb- 

1

: inadequate to produce a sensation or a perception

2

: existing or functioning below the threshold of consciousness

the subliminal mind

subliminal advertising

subliminally

-ē 

adverb