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
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.
Adjective
Mars retrograde asks you to confront fears lingering in your subconscious. Colin Bedell, Them, 14 Jan. 2025 This behavior is rooted in our subconscious need to resolve negative situations that threaten our survival. Amanda Heidt, Scientific American, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
The smallest moments to train your subconscious to have more gratitude. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Ross is an impressionist rooting through a collective subconscious. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 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 24 Jan. 2025.

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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