Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

subconsciously

American  
[suhb-kon-shuhs-lee] / sʌbˈkɒn ʃəs li /

adverb

  1. beneath or beyond the conscious mind.

    Your brain subconsciously processes a lot of the day’s information while you sleep.

  2. without conscious understanding or desire.

    I grew up subconsciously internalizing the stereotypes I saw in movies, TV shows, and advertisements.

    I heard footsteps approaching behind me, and my pace quickened subconsciously.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of subconsciously

subconscious ( def. ) + -ly

Compare meaning

How does subconsciously compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Subconsciously, I didn't want to have natto just dripping from my beard," he said, laughing.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

Subconsciously wary of seeming as if he’s making a pass, he shrinks at bear hugs or declarations of brotherly love.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2023

He gave special thanks to all those who featured on Subconsciously, including another global star, Pharrell Williams.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2022

Subconsciously, maybe it is, you know what I mean?

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2018

Subconsciously you feel that you must attempt to explain away your failure, as an intellectual and soldier of ideas, to actively participate in critical social movements.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "subconsciously" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com