subtract

verb

sub·​tract səb-ˈtrakt 

subtracted; subtracting; subtracts

transitive verb

: to take away by or as if by deducting

subtract 5 from 9

subtract funds from the project

intransitive verb

: to perform a subtraction

subtracter noun

Synonyms of subtract

• deduct

Examples of subtract in a Sentence

if you subtract 10 from 23, you get 13

you can subtract the time you spent daydreaming from your total homework time

Recent Examples on the Web

In physics — or most of physics, at any rate — energy differences are what really matters, and with care physicists can subtract one infinity from another to see what’s left. —George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026

The Patriots went just 17 yards after the turnover, with 15 yards subtracted by penalties. —Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026

The company, its owners or shareholders disclose their business income and then subtract operating and capital expenses and any other deductions. —Olivia Munson, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

William also is understood to pay tax on his income, but only after subtracting household expenses, which were not specified in the latest report, People reported. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin subtractus, past participle of subtrahere to draw from beneath, withdraw, from sub- + trahere to draw

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for subtract

• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• detract
• distract
• enact
• exact
• extract
• hijacked
• impact

Kids Definition

subtract

verb

sub·​tract səb-ˈtrakt 

1

: to take away (as one part or number) from another : deduct

subtract 5 from 9

2

: to perform a subtraction