subconscious

1 of 2

adjective

sub·​con·​scious ˌsəb-ˈkän(t)-shəs How to pronounce subconscious (audio)
ˈsəb-
: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness
a subconscious motive
subconsciousness noun

subconscious

2 of 2

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1834, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subconscious was circa 1834

Dictionary Entries Near subconscious

Cite this Entry

“Subconscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subconscious. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

subconscious

1 of 2 adjective
sub·​con·​scious ˌsəb-ˈkän-chəs How to pronounce subconscious (audio)
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- How to pronounce subconscious (audio)
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 wakingPsychological 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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