liminal

adjective

Definition of liminalnext
as in subtle
barely perceptible by a sense or by the mind They studied how the subjects were affected by different sounds played at liminal intensity.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of liminal Weddings are like airports–liminal spaces that exist out of time and definable space. — Bobby Finger june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 There are likely more of us than ever before stuck in this liminal state, trying to figure out when to stop IVF. — Heather Grossmann, Parents, 16 June 2026 This analysis connects the obsession with liminal spaces to many of Gen Zers’ experience coming of age during Covid-19. — Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 The post quickly became a vaunted piece of creepypasta, influencing everything from Severance to Playboi Carti, and it has been adopted as everyday parlance to describe any eerie, liminal space. — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for liminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liminal
  1. subtle
  2. faint
  3. unseen
  4. slight
  5. invisible
Adjective
  • Messi’s longevity is a story of enduring brilliance but also subtle evolution.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • Buyers will be able to tailor the interior with exclusive leather, Alcantara, and a choice of Comfort or Racing seats, both featuring six vertical grooves as a subtle nod to the six-speed layout.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • There was a pungent smell and a faint buzzing sound coming from the bedroom.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Though her father has moved to Savannah in the faint hope of reviving his relationship with her and his grandchildren, Anna has wisely kept her distance from him, given his criminal past and his as-yet-unarticulated failings as a parent.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • This year, to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of Marie Antoinette, and to fulfill her mother’s wishes, Sofia Coppola edited the unseen footage captured by her mother.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 8 July 2026
  • The risk of being unseen now outweighs the fear of saying the wrong thing, as consistent, human visibility fosters crucial connections.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of unseen
Adjective
  • Ndoye didn't shoot on his first touch of the ball, though, and that slight hesitation to control the ball and gather for a shot left just enough time for Argentina to swoop in to block the shot.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026
  • England will be slight favorites given the amount of world-class quality supporting its star man.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of slight
Adjective
  • Haaland was subbed out late after only two shots and one on goal, arguably the biggest star of this World Cup all but invisible.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • Basically, the fact that zinc did not always agree with carbon and nitrogen suggests that δ66Zn may be sensitive to ecological processes that are invisible to traditional tracers (offering a complementary lens rather than a replacement).
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of invisible

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limeys
liminal
limit
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Cite this Entry

“Liminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liminal. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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