subliminal

Definition of subliminalnext
as in simple
functioning outside the area of conscious awareness but acting to influence one's thoughts or feelings A subliminal image was embedded in the advertisement. The subliminal sounds supposedly aid in getting to sleep, but I am skeptical.

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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 subliminal Rather than questioning the practice of manifesting more broadly, though, Theiadora thinks the problem lies with a handful of rogue subliminal creators. — Daisy Schofield, Allure, 13 July 2026 Drop after drop after drop from the receivers and tight ends — all while Brandon Aiyuk continued to post subliminal messages on social media amid his feud with the 49ers. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 17 June 2026 When Kelli arrives to move into Shamea’s townhouse, the exchange is fraught with what feels like subliminal messages directed at Porsha. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 2026 His legacy as one of rap’s great subliminal assassins is one of the most impressive parts of his career. — Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for subliminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subliminal
Adjective
  • His lyrics, his hooks, his unmistakable voice, his optimism, his belief in the power of a simple song to make people feel good.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Some people want to change the world, and others want to operate in simple harmony with it and savor life.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Passes do not include pumpkins or entry to mechanical activities such as the bull ride.
    — Hali Smith October 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026
  • He is saved by an enigmatic young mechanic who equips him with a custom mechanical arm.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Boston Dynamics‘ prototype operation brings engineers and machinists together to develop, manufacture, assemble, and maintain robotic hardware.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Vatican has now said that those tests included a robotic bronchoscopic biopsy, meaning doctors had already taken tissue samples to assess whether the mass was cancerous.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Davidsen bucks up her balky husband with a bloodthirsty holler, stiffens her voice against doubt, and, in her final sleepwalking scene, taps into the tender stratum of Lady Macbeth’s subconscious.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Cress agreed with Sacramento County prosecutors, who argued Kaur did not get out of her sport utility vehicle to check on the unconscious Lopez after striking his motorcycle or attempt to render aid.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • An unconscious Pike was later taken to a Nashville hospital and placed on a ventilator.
    — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Eight venues are interconnected by hidden passageways, secret entrances, and whimsical performances.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The crust of the tangible world peels away, and hidden spiritual and moral realities become prominent and unmistakable.
    — Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Subliminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subliminal. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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