SUBLIMINAL Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

subliminal

adjective

Definition of subliminal

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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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 subliminal Rather than questioning the practice of manifesting more broadly, though, Theiadora thinks the problem lies with a handful of rogue subliminal creators. — Daisy Schofield, Allure, 13 July 2026 Drop after drop after drop from the receivers and tight ends — all while Brandon Aiyuk continued to post subliminal messages on social media amid his feud with the 49ers. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 17 June 2026 When Kelli arrives to move into Shamea’s townhouse, the exchange is fraught with what feels like subliminal messages directed at Porsha. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 2026 His legacy as one of rap’s great subliminal assassins is one of the most impressive parts of his career. — Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for subliminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subliminal

Adjective

The best power pop is simple, direct, and memorable, in both words and sound.

— Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
The lack of close coordination between these simple details undermines the structure’s coherence and intent.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

Related Stories Speaking at View Conference in Turin on Thursday, Hickel, who recently marked 30 years at ILM, detailed how the team mixed digital animation with physical sets, mechanical rigs and traditional stop-motion.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
For example, changes in contact forces could indicate whether a screw has engaged correctly, while audio cues could help identify when a mechanical latch has clicked into place.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

Boston Dynamics‘ prototype operation brings engineers and machinists together to develop, manufacture, assemble, and maintain robotic hardware.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
The Vatican has now said that those tests included a robotic bronchoscopic biopsy, meaning doctors had already taken tissue samples to assess whether the mass was cancerous.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of robotic

Adjective

One reason is because the wrong word or phrase can impair an athlete’s attention or focus, pulling them out of their subconscious performance (or flow) state.

— Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Davidsen bucks up her balky husband with a bloodthirsty holler, stiffens her voice against doubt, and, in her final sleepwalking scene, taps into the tender stratum of Lady Macbeth’s subconscious.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of subconscious

Adjective

Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of mechanic

Adjective

Together, the four officers dragged the unconscious man into the hallway.

— Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Like Dominique Pelicot, the French man who used the online chat platform Coco to recruit men to rape his drugged and unconscious wife, the @SteveCumfulls of the world thrive on the internet’s reach and de-facto anonymity.

— Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconscious

Adjective

Anthropic’s work even shows that internal signals can reveal when a model suspects it’s being tested, detects manipulation or is pursuing a hidden objective.

— Nicola Sfondrini, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Gardner pleaded guilty to placing a hidden camera in a bathroom at a gymnastics studio in Purvis, Mississippi, between December 2017 and April 2018 to record his students.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of hidden

Browse Nearby Words

sublimeness

subliminal

sublimity

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“Subliminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subliminal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subliminal

adjective

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