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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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
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The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
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And given that toppers were developed specifically as a lighter, simpler alternative to full-bodied campers, designed to fit within limited midsize truck payloads, that extra beef is a definite problem for some shoppers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
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Just two decades ago, most people voted using mechanical levers or punch cards.—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The robotic mission proceeded normally until April 1, when the spacecraft detected a drop in pressure inside the line that feeds xenon fuel to its four thrusters.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 June 2025
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In a recording of a telephone call heard by CNN, a person outside of Iran hoping to hear their friend’s voice on the other line, was instead met with a robotic voice.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Behavioral science shows that packaging design—color, weight, texture—nudges consumers by triggering subconscious associations.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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At the same time, Neptune in Aries stirs up subconscious fears or hidden desires.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Man who caused crash was ‘crying on his knees’ When police arrived at the crash, Brooke was found unconscious and bleeding from her head, according to court documents.—
Amaia Gavica,
Idaho Statesman,
26 June 2025
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Some recounted seeing a man knocked unconscious, a flight attendant who suffered an injury to their arm and another burned by hot water that spilled from the drink cart.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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The Loewe Grand inicio is a powerful two-way speaker with a bass reflex system and is available as a floor-standing speaker.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Water Bottle Cleaning & Maintenance Bacteria build-up is a real issue, especially with straws, valves, and lids with hidden parts, so Razgaitis suggests avoiding overly complicated and hard-to-clean bottles.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
19 June 2025
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Their local store is still called a 'hidden gem' Long-vacant CT nursing home site planned for 160 apartments.—
Aaron Flaum,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subliminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subliminal. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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