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

• 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 blanching at the cost to upgrade the rotation last summer, Hoyer insisted the Cubs would have had to subtract a valuable piece from their major-league roster and give up one of the sport’s top 100 prospects. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025

That hefty figure is also one of many variables, since virtually every buyer chooses to customize their Celestiq in some way, adding or subtracting from the final cost. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025

Debt payments subtract from spending on programs or tax cuts. —John Seiler, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025

To estimate your optimal heart rate zone for exercise, start by subtracting your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate. —Cyra-Lea Drummond, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 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