subplot

noun

Definition of subplotnext
as in plot

Related Words

Relevance

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 subplot One subplot of today’s match between Morocco and France will be how dedicated Morocco is to scoring. — Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026 What a delightful subplot to this World Cup — that the globe’s very best players, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane, are at the forefront of the giants angling for the Golden Boot scoring title. — Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 The idea that a candidate could have a Nazi tattoo and stay in the race sounds more like a subplot from Veep than the reality upon which several prominent Democrats staked their reputations. — Mike Nelson, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 At the very least, the story-walking subplot should have progressed in Season 4. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subplot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subplot
  1. plot
  2. action
  3. story
Noun
  • The novel plot is intricately structured and gratifying while the animation — which dips into various styles including impressionism — invites you into an awe-inspiring alternative world.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
  • The facilities typically require vast plots of land, energy to power the chips and servers inside, and water to cool high-tech equipment.
    — Lora Kolodny,Jeniece Pettitt, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of plot
Noun
  • One of the corrective actions involves modifying the engine startup sequence on the Super Heavy booster during its flip maneuver after separating from the Starship upper stage a few minutes after liftoff.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • The sisters’ collective upper limb development also suggests high-intensity, repetitive actions like holding a heavy weapon or pulling a bowstring.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026
Definition of action
Noun
  • Associated Press writers Pan Pylas and Jill Lawless contributed to this story.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Especially since there are so many stories already inside the game with the campaign aspect.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of story

Browse Nearby Words

subpar
subplot
subplots
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subplot. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stalwart

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All