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
The subliminal message between the two cover shots didn’t go unnoticed.
—
Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
As bassist Ian Hill points out, since the alleged (and in fact non-existent) messages were subliminal, they were being asked to prove that something which couldn’t be detected wasn’t there.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
The creature’s journey from animal to man is more subtle than a straightforward erasure of the animal sounds, as Robitaille wanted the shift to feel natural and subliminal.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
The only other major drama the documentary spends any length of time with is the notorious 1990 trial in which the band was accused of putting subliminal messages in a song after the double suicide of two young men.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subliminal
Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
As bassist Ian Hill points out, since the alleged (and in fact non-existent) messages were subliminal, they were being asked to prove that something which couldn’t be detected wasn’t there.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
The creature’s journey from animal to man is more subtle than a straightforward erasure of the animal sounds, as Robitaille wanted the shift to feel natural and subliminal.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026
The only other major drama the documentary spends any length of time with is the notorious 1990 trial in which the band was accused of putting subliminal messages in a song after the double suicide of two young men.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subliminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subliminal
Adjective
-
Both include full integration of the climate controls into the screen, requiring more concentration to use and additional steps to make adjustments previously accomplished by pressing a simple button.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Scientists at Florida International University are developing a drug compound known as CTS2444-32, designed to reach deep brain regions affected by Parkinson's through a simple nasal delivery system.—
Ted Scouten,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Intuitive Surgical also conflicts with our recent initiation of Johnson & Johnson, which is seeking to enter the robotic surgery market.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2026
-
In 2012, Lomas became the first person to complete the London Marathon by wearing a robotic suit to help her walk.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But sometimes there are things that enter from the subconscious.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His implication, perhaps subconscious, is that occasional flashes of partisanship are a form of self-defense.—
Peter S. Canellos,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Potholes may go unfilled, Davis said, and drivers may have to make unplanned trips to the mechanic shop to fix their tires as a result.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
And soon after another brother and mechanic William Davidson joined the team.—
Ricardo Torres,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
He was found lying unconscious near the elevator, at which time Andrew called 911.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
On 11 April, Farès was found unconscious in a gym swimming pool at the private sports complex of Blanche in Paris.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That reflex delays care and erodes trust.—
Liz Koch,
STAT,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The ten seconds that led to the Braylon Mullins’ miracle shot were a series of reflex plays, reactions, the ultimate in instincts taking over, living in the split second, rather than in the moment.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Inspired by three new Chessmen flavors — Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Sugar and Brown Butter Pecan — the board reflects a color palette of rich caramel and brown butter hues, while also incorporating a hidden compartment in the base that’s perfect for storing cookies.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Its global community remains highly active, producing lore analyses, boss guides, fan art, strategy builds, tips, and uncovering hidden secrets.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subliminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subliminal. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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