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
As a mobster and street hustler, Luke brought new drama to the medical soap, including espionage storylines and overseas subplots.
—
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
And every single one of those characters and subplots speaks to Cameron’s many obsessions; this is a mirror world that always reflects back its creator’s own divided soul.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Their subplot also represents Avatar at its most complex.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
Becky Ann Baker appears in one to scene as a plausibly manipulative mother-in-law to provide dramatic motivation for a crucial subplot.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
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.
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025
And every single one of those characters and subplots speaks to Cameron’s many obsessions; this is a mirror world that always reflects back its creator’s own divided soul.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Their subplot also represents Avatar at its most complex.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
Becky Ann Baker appears in one to scene as a plausibly manipulative mother-in-law to provide dramatic motivation for a crucial subplot.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share