subtheme

noun

sub·​theme ˈsəb-ˌthēm How to pronounce subtheme (audio)
variants or sub-theme
plural subthemes or sub-themes
: a theme that is secondary to a larger theme
… these three different bodies of work are also bound together by the entwined themes of migration, globalism, and—unexpectedly—portraiture. Subthemes of labour, old age, and surveillance also emerge here.Robin Laurence
Three themes were ultimately extracted from the data: (a) instructional benefits and implications, (b) complexity, and (c) outlook. Each theme has two to four subthemes that were represented in the data.Sheri M. Treadwell et al.

Examples of subtheme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Bolton’s show includes a piece by Browne, part of a six-look tableau on a subtheme of sirens. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Apr. 2024 The subtheme involved people negotiating for more time to live. Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 The subtheme included depictions of murder, suicide, and domestic violence resulting in death. Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 One of the subthemes headed into this vote is the staying power of supporters of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R., La.). WSJ, 18 Oct. 2023 This dragon subtheme will be an exciting announcement for Commander players, where dragons like Korvold, the Ur-Dragon, Niv-Mizzet, Arcades and Nicol Bolas are all popular Dragon commanders to build around. Joe Parlock, Forbes, 24 June 2021 The oceans — another frontier whose depths have only begun to be plumbed — becomes a subtheme. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2022 Between dungeons and dice rolling, this might be one of the biggest shakeups to the game since Throne of Eldraine's Adventure mechanic, and the impact a Dragons-matters subtheme will have on formats like Commander is intriguing. Joe Parlock, Forbes, 24 June 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtheme was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near subtheme

Cite this Entry

“Subtheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtheme. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!