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Definition of subliminal

subliminal

/sʌbˈlɪm.ɪ.nəl/
sub · lim · i · nal
Adverb:subliminally
•
Plural:subliminals
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subliminal Lexical Profile

subliminal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it; existing or functioning below the threshold of conscious perception.

Example

"The documentary examined whether subliminal messages in television commercials actually influence consumer behavior."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for subliminal

• noun

1

A subliminal message, stimulus, or audio track designed to bypass conscious awareness.

Example

"Some listeners play positive audio subliminals overnight in the hope of improving their self-confidence."

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'subconscious' refers to mental processes occurring just below full awareness that can be recalled with effort, 'subliminal' specifically describes external stimuli presented below the sensory threshold of conscious perception.

• Rhymes for subliminal

• Nearby Words

sublevel
sublime
sublimely
subliminal
subliminally
sublingually
submanager

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century by psychologists from the Latin prefix 'sub-' (below) and 'limen' (threshold, stem 'limin-'), literally meaning 'below the threshold' of consciousness.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Subliminal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/subliminal
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