subtext

noun

sub·​text ˈsəb-ˌtekst How to pronounce subtext (audio)
: the implicit or metaphorical meaning (as of a literary text)
subtextual adjective
subtextually adverb

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A literary text often has more than one meaning: the literal meaning of the words on the page, and their hidden meaning, what exists "between the lines"—the subtext. Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, for example, is about the Salem witchcraft trials of the 17th century, but its subtext is the comparison of those trials with the "witch hunts" of the 1950s, when many people were unfairly accused of being communists. Even a social conversation between a man and a woman may have a subtext, but you may have to listen very closely to figure out what it is. Don't confuse subtext with subplot, a less important plot that moves along in parallel with the main plot.

Examples of subtext in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Every bit of dialogue is packed with subtext, as mutual wariness and hopes and old wounds hamper the characters’ ability to communicate with each other. Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 In today’s political climate, some pose similar questions, with equally intimidating subtext. Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 Fans might ship their favorite characters based on small interactions or subtext, regardless of the media's canon, or true events. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 So, sometimes a scene can take on a completely different life because there’s so much subtext beneath the surface. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 Although the film is more ambitious than the novel on some of the more insidious subtexts, Eli (Lina Leandersson) presents as a 12-year-old girl who happens to be a vampire looked after by an elderly man who procures that good stuff for her. Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 14 Feb. 2024 If the door is opened for judges to use a politician’s past history and worst supporters as evidence of a sinister subtext, each of these examples would run some meaningful risk of being held unprotected. Thomas A. Berry, National Review, 8 Feb. 2024 The historical story lines are bracing, but the subtext — about who authors history and how — is what ultimately makes these two pictures worthwhile. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2024 Recommended The continuing war is a mostly silent subtext at the exhibits of the four Ukrainian regions that Mr. Putin declared officially annexed by Russia just over a year ago. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subtext.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtext was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near subtext

Cite this Entry

“Subtext.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtext. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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