subject matter

noun

Synonyms of subject matternext
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

Examples of subject matter in a Sentence

I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.
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.
The subject matter was also personal for the creative, who cut his teeth as a writer on such shows as Search Party and The Other Two and as a consulting producer on Big Mouth. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 My career was in customer service as a representative, supervisor, manager, project manager, and subject matter expert. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Due to the sensitivity of its subject matter, Rihana was entirely filmed in Sri Lanka, which doubled for Saudi Arabia through the use of studio interiors and AI. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 14 May 2026 All four were shot in Jakarta, and none of them softens its subject matter. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subject matter was in 1657

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Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subject%20matter. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

subject matter

noun
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study
the poem's subject matter

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