as in to deduct
to take away (an amount or number) from a total
if you subtract 10 from 23, you get 13 you can subtract the time you spent daydreaming from your total homework time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of subtract
Fely reached the 40-rep mark, but two were deemed not to have reached full extension and were subtracted from his total.
—
Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026
Credits are subtracted directly from the taxpayer’s tax bill.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
As expected, Central Catholic (22-3) looked to subtract the center from the game, and did to a degree of success early.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The presence of Darryn Peterson cannot altogether subtract the impact of Flory Bidunga.
—Sam McDowell March 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtract
Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026
Credits are subtracted directly from the taxpayer’s tax bill.
—Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
As expected, Central Catholic (22-3) looked to subtract the center from the game, and did to a degree of success early.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The presence of Darryn Peterson cannot altogether subtract the impact of Flory Bidunga.
—Sam McDowell March 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtract
deduct
Verb
-
Apps such as TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxSlayer can make filing more convenient but typically charge a fee that may be deducted from your refund.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Wilder got the only knockdown in the eighth round, sending Chisora through the ropes, but the American was deducted a point in the same round for pushing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtract. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
