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
But there’s another, less flashy subplot: how will widespread acceptance of stablecoins among traditional institutions globally affect the $28 trillion United States Treasury market?
—
Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Like the historical novel by Gill Hornby on which it is based, the show, adapted by Andrea Gibb, speculates on what led Cassandra to her fateful act and features some very Austen-like romantic subplots.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Nabulsi, unfortunately, muddles the story with multiple subplots, some inelegant acting and contrived English-language dialogue.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Nabulsi’s inter-generational drama is carefully composed, though the movie’s other subplots (concerning its handful of American and British characters) tend to be more stilted.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 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.
Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Like the historical novel by Gill Hornby on which it is based, the show, adapted by Andrea Gibb, speculates on what led Cassandra to her fateful act and features some very Austen-like romantic subplots.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Nabulsi, unfortunately, muddles the story with multiple subplots, some inelegant acting and contrived English-language dialogue.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Nabulsi’s inter-generational drama is carefully composed, though the movie’s other subplots (concerning its handful of American and British characters) tend to be more stilted.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 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 25 May. 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