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 of subtract

• 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

Because time is finite, adding one thing means subtracting another. — Melody Wilding, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

This also includes edges of the first type, however, meaning any edges that directly connect two boundary points to each other must, of course, be subtracted to avoid counting them twice. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

Back in the early spring, the idea of subtracting a durable 33-game starter (and a former second-round pick) from a defensive line that seemed to be an area of major concern for the Bears would have been unthinkable. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Not to be outdone, math-magicians on Capitol Hill have been busily subtracting workdays. — Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

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