subject matter

noun

Synonyms of subject matternext
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

Examples of subject matter in a Sentence

I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Students selected will come together July 5 in Austin, Texas to conduct experiments, tour facilities, network with other students, and conduct research while being mentored by NASA, industry, and academia subject matter experts at The University of Texas at Austin. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026 Typically, this type of work would be handled by a less senior attorney at the department who had more direct involvement with the subject matter at hand, the former official said. Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026 As veteran engineers and subject matter experts retire, teams simultaneously struggle to connect siloed, multimodal data into a coherent picture of what happened and why. Dustin Johnson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 The logic is that commissioners are subject matter experts who will not favor any team. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subject matter was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subject%20matter. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

subject matter

noun
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study
the poem's subject matter

More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster