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
Mansfield Park contains a slow burning love story with Fanny’s cousin Edmund and delicious subplots concerning two charming, selfish siblings, but of chief interest are Fanny’s two aunts.
—
Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
Ann’s closer companion is her adoring brother, William (Lewis Pullman), who obeys her without question—even forsaking his male lover, in a glancing subplot, to pursue the Shaker way.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2026
And of course, the subplot here is Ole Miss’s coaching situation.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
The Potter subplot encapsulates the film’s most trenchant, still-resonant themes: the unfairness of socioeconomic injustices; the pervasiveness of corporate and political corruption; the threat of monopolized power; the need for affordable housing.
—Nora Gilbert, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
Ann’s closer companion is her adoring brother, William (Lewis Pullman), who obeys her without question—even forsaking his male lover, in a glancing subplot, to pursue the Shaker way.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2026
And of course, the subplot here is Ole Miss’s coaching situation.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
The Potter subplot encapsulates the film’s most trenchant, still-resonant themes: the unfairness of socioeconomic injustices; the pervasiveness of corporate and political corruption; the threat of monopolized power; the need for affordable housing.
—Nora Gilbert, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subplot
Noun
-
Indeed, depth would only get in the way of the plot, which is primarily concerned with fooling you and fooling you again.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
That’s what this plot requires.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At this point, the park service is merely studying the idea, and the study could lead to no action at all.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
-
The investigation resulted in an unnamed enforcement action, according to CBP.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the past year, their silence broken by the abolition of the police force, residents have started trading stories.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
This week was an exception, as Ronaldo became a story for not playing a game.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subplot. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
