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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Among the greatest risks of AI, according to experts and the people interviewed for this story, are questionable veracity (deepfakes and misinformation), subliminal manipulation of human behavior, lack of diverse opinions, invasion of privacy, lack of transparency and concentration of power.
—
Jennifer Green, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Through the prism of his performance, Eastern Promises flirts with a deeper portrait of total psychological reinvention — the subliminal theme that must have drawn the director to such ordinary material in the first place.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
No wonder the movie keeps cutting to nearly subliminal flashbacks of Brosnahan — an overcompensating attempt to fill the void where its heart should be.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2025
The workmanship shows in the color and precision of the grout, the mottling of dark flecks, and the triangular pieces where the arches meet — details that give the façade a subliminal liveliness.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subliminal
Jennifer Green, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Through the prism of his performance, Eastern Promises flirts with a deeper portrait of total psychological reinvention — the subliminal theme that must have drawn the director to such ordinary material in the first place.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
No wonder the movie keeps cutting to nearly subliminal flashbacks of Brosnahan — an overcompensating attempt to fill the void where its heart should be.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2025
The workmanship shows in the color and precision of the grout, the mottling of dark flecks, and the triangular pieces where the arches meet — details that give the façade a subliminal liveliness.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subliminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subliminal
Adjective
-
Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
While in many ways, this flat 33km time-trial is simple, particularly in its middle section, there is still plenty to watch out for.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
-
Things like robot bartenders, a remarkable sightseeing capsule that rises on a 300-foot-long mechanical arm, and an extensive array of exciting activities are now available within driving distance.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
What might this robotic world of the future look like?—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
One of the robotic arms then retrieves the items from storage and delivers them to the window within about 90 seconds.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Each time the person watches the video, their subconscious mind is seemingly being subverted toward being obedient to AGI.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
And when detecting the artist approaching flow, the device would emit a subtle cue — a slight change in the sound of their instrument or the lighting — to give the brain a subconscious boost and thereby accelerate and enhance one’s immersion into flow.—
Brandon Sneed,
Rolling Stone,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In some cases, AI feedback forced Martinez to reflect on how unconscious bias may have shaped his original assessment.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
-
Used responsibly, these systems can offer clearer benchmarks and reduce unconscious bias.—
Andrew Fennell,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Some bass-heavy speakers can create an annoying booming sound from the reflex port at the rear of the speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
-
Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Structure your questions to expose hidden concerns.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The rooms also feature customizable light and screen settings, as well as hidden cameras built directly into the walls.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subliminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subliminal. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share