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
In the year since, both women have appeared to send subliminal messages about each other via their social media, but neither has outwardly dissed the other until this week, keeping it mostly professional.
—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
As a child raised amid war and displacement, uncertainty and subliminal anxiety felt natural to me.
—
Mehrnoush Soroush,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
An imperfect but useful analogy might be subliminal messaging, but for AI.
—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
26 Feb. 2026
Beliefs and routines tug at one another as the subliminal Moon in your 9th House of Expansion squares companionable Venus in your 6th House of Work.
—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subliminal
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
As a child raised amid war and displacement, uncertainty and subliminal anxiety felt natural to me.
—
Mehrnoush Soroush,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
An imperfect but useful analogy might be subliminal messaging, but for AI.
—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
26 Feb. 2026
Beliefs and routines tug at one another as the subliminal Moon in your 9th House of Expansion squares companionable Venus in your 6th House of Work.
—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subliminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subliminal
Adjective
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The questions Campbell needs to answer are simple.
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Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
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Of the two teams Genesis fielded, one was forced out early due to mechanical issues, but the other team finished, placing 13th in a field of 62 (though not all teams finished the race).
Adjective
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Traditional robotic work cells often require complete shutdowns when workers enter restricted areas, creating downtime that can accumulate across large manufacturing operations.
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In addition to refining scientific models for the Martian environment, NASA plans to use the data to reduce risks to future robotic and crewed missions landing on Mars' surface.
Adjective
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Her Taurus moon also occupies her 12th house, an area of the birth chart associated with spirituality, secrecy and subconscious realms.
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All in all, a funny glimpse at the power of the mob to both protect and serve our collective subconscious.
Adjective
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Their maternal grandfather was a race-car driver and mechanic, and their father was a photographer for Street Chopper Magazine.
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From a young Ron Howard as Andy’s son Opie to Jim Nabors as the well-meaning mechanic Gomer Pyle, the show launched careers and spinoffs, won awards, and carved out a permanent place in pop-culture history.
Adjective
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She was found unconscious in the bay and had emergency brain surgery at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital the night of the crash.
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The man was unconscious and unresponsive after hitting the ground, police said.
Adjective
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As the session continues, Atlas’s movements appear increasingly fluid, suggesting the system is being evaluated not only for strength but also for agility, reflex response, and adaptive motor control.
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Wyle listened to the two women’s breathing and administered a reflex test on their knees.
Adjective
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In the evening, Banff’s newest late-night spot, The Dusty Boot Saloon, channels cowboy country motifs through nostalgic saloon energy and a lively dance hall, stage for live music and hidden lounges.
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Further investigation determined that the videos came from a hidden camera installed in one of the church's changing rooms and bathrooms.
Cite this Entry
“Subliminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subliminal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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