subconscious

adjective

Definition of subconsciousnext
as in unconscious

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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 subconscious One reason is because the wrong word or phrase can impair an athlete’s attention or focus, pulling them out of their subconscious performance (or flow) state. — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Not to mention, all the subconscious terrain, where one wrestles with memory, vulnerability, and presence. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 Hoover’s post-game comments may not have been a conscious shot back at his former head coach, but this could be a case of a subconscious hard at work. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026 In the film, Tom has a subconscious desire to be like his father — something both actors have experienced as their children have expressed interest in going into acting. — Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subconscious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subconscious
  1. unconscious
  2. subliminal
  3. visceral
  4. reflex
  5. reactive
  6. conditioned
  7. instinctive
  8. Pavlovian
Adjective
  • Most LifeFlight patients are unconscious or too ill to consent to share their stories, so the details are private.
    — Elaine Appleton-Grant, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The child’s mother, who was not charged in the case, reported the crime after finding Sophia unconscious with head wounds.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of unconscious
Adjective
  • Was Lamb’s a subliminal reference to Flyte or are fans reading into that too much?
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Spoiler control increases the difference between knowing something about a movie and actually experiencing it; the resulting informational scarcity is a conspicuous kind of subliminal marketing.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of subliminal
Adjective
  • There’s also a visceral realization that the runway ahead is shorter than the runway behind.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2026
  • His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous.
    — Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of visceral
Adjective
  • The reflex sell-off after Wednesday's Federal Reserve rate hike gave the S&P 500 a momentary test of 7500, which proved a timely shakeout.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Padmini smiled, though this appeared more reflex than friendliness.
    — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of reflex
Adjective
  • This would shift the system from a primarily reactive to a more predictive one.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Executive Strategies For Implementation Applying TE to organizational settings requires a shift from reactive management to conscious engagement in leadership interactions.
    — Gia Tskhovrebadze, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of reactive
Adjective
  • As the protagonist Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1968), Duane Jones unveiled a distinct facet of pre-conditioned Black martyrdom.
    — Malik Peay, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2023
  • The new formula is infused with a luscious blend of flower oils so that lashes feel conditioned and supple to the touch.
    — Daisy Maldonado, SELF, 13 Sep. 2022
Definition of conditioned
Adjective
  • Tall grasses, subtropical forest, and birdsong envelop the property in 360-degree wilderness, encouraging an instinctive shift down a gear.
    — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Like Irving Berlin, Miranda is an instinctive musician whose mistakes can be worth more than other people’s rules.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of instinctive
Adjective
  • Publications from the Times on down employ clickbait headlines that treat you like a starving rat in a Pavlovian experiment.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • O’Neill, who also has Pavlovian as a starter, named Cristian Torres to ride Robusta because Emisael Jaramillo had commitments at Santa Anita.
    — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Definition of Pavlovian

Browse Nearby Words

subcomponents
subconscious
subcontinent
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Cite this Entry

“Subconscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subconscious. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subconscious

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subconscious

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