sub·con·scious
ˌsəb-ˈkän(t)-shəs 
ˈsəb-
: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness
a subconscious motive
subconsciousness
noun
: the mental activities just below the threshold of consciousness
Examples of subconscious in a Sentence
Noun
A person's behavior can be influenced by urges that exist only in the subconscious.
Those feelings had been hidden in her subconscious.
Recent Examples on the Web
Gemma Allen, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
This subconscious alertness can lead to lighter and more restless sleep, known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep.
—Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2024
Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024
The sound woke him in a dreamy state, providing unique windows into his subconscious that sparked new ideas.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for subconscious 
Adjective
Stories have been reduced to a subconscious swipe in a world with news on demand at our fingertips.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
This subconscious alertness can lead to lighter and more restless sleep, known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep.
—Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
So there was something in her subconscious that put her at that location.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024
The sound woke him in a dreamy state, providing unique windows into his subconscious that sparked new ideas.
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for subconscious
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subconscious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near subconscious
Cite this Entry
“Subconscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subconscious. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subconscious
1 of 2 adjective
sub·con·scious
ˌsəb-ˈkän-chəs
ˈsəb-
: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness
a subconscious motive
subconsciously
adverb
subconscious
2 of 2 noun
: the mental activities just below the limit of consciousness
Medical Definition
subconscious
1 of 2 adjective
sub·con·scious
ˌsəb-ˈkän-chəs, ˈsəb-
1
: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness : affecting thought, feeling, and behavior without entering awareness
subconscious motives
a subconscious reflex
2
: imperfectly conscious : partially but not fully aware
the persistence of subconscious dream activity for several minutes after waking—Psychological Abstracts
Psychological Abstracts
subconsciously
adverb
subconsciousness
noun
subconscious
2 of 2 noun
: the mental activities just below the threshold of consciousness
also
: the aspect of the mind concerned with such activities compare unconscious
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