subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät 
1
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
2
: a subdivision of an experimental plot of land
Examples of subplot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The story line may have some grounding in Marilyn’s own reliance on Lee Strasberg’s coaching and the subplot in season one of the show in which Ivy hallucinates on prednisone, but the jokes are easy and get old within the first minute of watching Nielsen mutter in Hurder’s ear.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Basically, ever since the moment Timothy got everyone to give up their screens, that entire subplot came to a screeching halt.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Can Viola pull off her elaborate scheme and continue playing soccer, or will her plan fall apart
Appropriate for: Ages 12+
Perfect for: Tweens and teens who enjoy a romantic subplot
'Big Fat Liar'
In this 2002 film, Amanda Bynes stars opposite another ‘00s teen star, Frankie Muniz.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
There are a lot of subplots afoot here, and not all of them completely land.
—EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
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Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Basically, ever since the moment Timothy got everyone to give up their screens, that entire subplot came to a screeching halt.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Can Viola pull off her elaborate scheme and continue playing soccer, or will her plan fall apart
Appropriate for: Ages 12+
Perfect for: Tweens and teens who enjoy a romantic subplot
'Big Fat Liar'
In this 2002 film, Amanda Bynes stars opposite another ‘00s teen star, Frankie Muniz.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
There are a lot of subplots afoot here, and not all of them completely land.
—EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
Cite this Entry
“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
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