subplot
noun
sub·plot ˈsəb-ˌplät 
1
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
2
: a subdivision of an experimental plot of land
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web One striking subplot in this story is the degree of state involvement in China’s big businesses: 87 of the companies from mainland China on this year’s list are majority or entirely government-owned. 
Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2022 Similarly, Greg Kinnear feels stranded in a subplot about a cop working the case that ends up diluting the energy and verve of what’s happening in the prison. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 6 July 2022 The most one-off-iest subplot suddenly reveals a massive part of the show's mythology. Darren Franich, EW.com, 15 June 2022 Maybe there was a battle for position farther down in the pack that had an emotional subplot, or something startling hidden in the radio communications between the drivers and the pit crews. New York Times, 14 July 2022 The most puzzling and tantalizing subplot in the Season 4 premiere centers around Christina. Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 June 2022 Many consider Viva Las Vegas the summation of what makes an essential Elvis film: a beautiful costar (Ann-Margret), a racing subplot, and a memorable soundtrack epitomized by the title track, a number which was filmed in one long continuous take. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 25 June 2022 Charlotte dealing with her child’s gender identity) and lows (Carrie’s vexed boss, Che; the episode-long subplot about an apartment beep). Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2022 Ryan’s loving but codependent relationship with his mother (a lovely Jessica Hecht) is a bittersweet subplot. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 23 June 2022 See More
Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2022 Similarly, Greg Kinnear feels stranded in a subplot about a cop working the case that ends up diluting the energy and verve of what’s happening in the prison. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 6 July 2022 The most one-off-iest subplot suddenly reveals a massive part of the show's mythology. Darren Franich, EW.com, 15 June 2022 Maybe there was a battle for position farther down in the pack that had an emotional subplot, or something startling hidden in the radio communications between the drivers and the pit crews. New York Times, 14 July 2022 The most puzzling and tantalizing subplot in the Season 4 premiere centers around Christina. Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 June 2022 Many consider Viva Las Vegas the summation of what makes an essential Elvis film: a beautiful costar (Ann-Margret), a racing subplot, and a memorable soundtrack epitomized by the title track, a number which was filmed in one long continuous take. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 25 June 2022 Charlotte dealing with her child’s gender identity) and lows (Carrie’s vexed boss, Che; the episode-long subplot about an apartment beep). Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2022 Ryan’s loving but codependent relationship with his mother (a lovely Jessica Hecht) is a bittersweet subplot. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 23 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1
subplots
noun
as in plots
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- plots
- actions
- themes
- stories
- subjects
- story lines
- arcs
- arguments
- plans
- schemes
- developments
- mythoi
- outlines
- designs