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Synonyms

subcompact

American  
[suhb-kom-pakt] / sʌbˈkɒm pækt /

noun

  1. an automobile that is smaller than a compact.


Etymology

Origin of subcompact

First recorded in 1965–70; sub- + compact 1

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.

See Examples For:

GM greenlighted roughly $600 million in new investments to boost South Korean production of subcompact SUVs for U.S. export.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 16, 2026

I wasn’t in the market for a subcompact sedan—buildwise, I’m more of a roomy-seat full-size.

From Barron's Mar. 20, 2026

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of subcompact SUVs, including the Subaru Crosstrek.

From MarketWatch Nov. 26, 2025

Drop the rear seats in the Impreza and you’ll have 56 cubic feet of storage space to work with, which is about what a typical subcompact SUV offers.

From Seattle Times Dec. 6, 2023

Ms. Bartell was driving north on Indiana Street when her Chevrolet Spark, a subcompact, became the last vehicle struck during the spree, the authorities said.

From New York Times Apr. 26, 2023

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