subclinical

adjective

sub·​clin·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈkli-ni-kəl How to pronounce subclinical (audio)
: not detectable or producing effects that are not detectable by the usual clinical tests
a subclinical infection
subclinical cancer
subclinically
ˌsəb-ˈkli-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce subclinical (audio)
adverb

Examples of subclinical in a Sentence

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.
If the goal is to raise awareness, the best course of action is probably to let the subclinical cases be counted. — Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 These risk factors include joint pain and subclinical joint inflammation, which is when an imaging study, like magnetic resonance imaging, sees joint inflammation that can’t be seen by a clinician examining the joints. — Kevin Deane, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026 The control group’s psychopathy levels weren’t measured using the PCL-R, so the existence of subclinical traits, that is, traits that aren’t outwardly detectable, can't be ruled out. — New Atlas, 26 June 2025 At subclinical levels, narcissism often masquerades as leadership potential. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subclinical

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subclinical was in 1916

Rhymes for subclinical

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Browse Nearby Words

subclimax
subclinical
sub-cloud car
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Cite this Entry

“Subclinical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subclinical. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

subclinical

adjective
sub·​clin·​i·​cal -ˈklin-i-kəl How to pronounce subclinical (audio)
: not detectable or producing effects that are not detectable by the usual clinical tests
a subclinical infection
subclinical cancer
subclinically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce subclinical (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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