subtext

noun

sub·​text ˈsəb-ˌtekst How to pronounce subtext (audio)
: the implicit or metaphorical meaning (as of a literary text)
subtextual adjective
subtextually adverb

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A literary text often has more than one meaning: the literal meaning of the words on the page, and their hidden meaning, what exists "between the lines"—the subtext. Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, for example, is about the Salem witchcraft trials of the 17th century, but its subtext is the comparison of those trials with the "witch hunts" of the 1950s, when many people were unfairly accused of being communists. Even a social conversation between a man and a woman may have a subtext, but you may have to listen very closely to figure out what it is. Don't confuse subtext with subplot, a less important plot that moves along in parallel with the main plot.

Examples of subtext in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For cinephiles of a certain age, the movie has additional resonance thanks to the subtext that runs underneath the various plot lines related to artists whose relationship to their art has changed. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 21 Feb. 2025 The subtext becomes text, and the film isn’t quite scary enough to make up for its mostly leaden message. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 Asked whether moving Wade to the outfield could allow the Giants to get another left-handed hitter into the lineup at first base, Melvin sniffed the subtext of the question. Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 That’s the likely unintended subtext throughout the various behind-the-scenes documentaries produced by NBC ahead of the show’s 50th anniversary special airing Sunday. Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subtext

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtext was in 1862

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Cite this Entry

“Subtext.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtext. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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