subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as

a

: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled

b

: the operation of deducting one number from another

Synonyms

• deduction
• reduction

Examples of subtraction in a Sentence

The children are learning addition and subtraction.

the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order

Recent Examples on the Web

The Philadelphia Phillies lost a second straight game to the New York Mets on Tuesday and that was preceded by some surprising roster subtractions. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

In sum, the addition of AI should lead to a subtraction of expenses, particularly for nonprofit enterprises. —Nick Ladany, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

In addition to learning addition, subtraction and fractions, kids learn how to collect payments, count change and calculate the business’s profitability. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025

Companies like Charter and CNBC’s parent company, Comcast, have largely traded on residential broadband additions (or subtractions) for many years. —Alex Sherman, CNBC, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act or instance of subtracting

2

: the operation of deducting one number from another