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
In addition to the push north, more subplots sprout up in this sage saga than needles on a barrel cactus.
—
Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
As noted by Barrows, kicking at Levi’s is an interesting subplot depending on overhead winds.
—Scott Phillips, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
At times, more than rendering them humans with layered existences, the subplots and character details make the film’s reality feel convoluted, because these components don’t always come off like conspicuous additions, rather than unimposingly folded into their personalities.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
As always, Benedict’s siblings have their own subplots.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
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Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
As noted by Barrows, kicking at Levi’s is an interesting subplot depending on overhead winds.
—Scott Phillips, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
At times, more than rendering them humans with layered existences, the subplots and character details make the film’s reality feel convoluted, because these components don’t always come off like conspicuous additions, rather than unimposingly folded into their personalities.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
As always, Benedict’s siblings have their own subplots.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subplot
Cite this Entry
“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
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