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 of subtraction

• 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 Administration’s strategy seems to hinge on a fantasy of radical subtraction—removing people who would dilute the country’s white majority. —Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 7 June 2026

The additions come in the wake of some subtraction. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026

What many people don’t realize is that the academic subject of mathematics is not about doing quick sums and subtractions in your head. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 May 2026

Summer is a season of subtraction, of revelation. —Max Berlinger, Vogue, 22 May 2026

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