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

But subtracting one or more of the pending UFAs, particularly on defense, could hamper the Sharks’ ability to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

Every correct prediction is awarded a different number of points, calculated by subtracting the age of the deceased from 105. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

To find net carbs, subtract the grams (g) of fiber from the grams of carbs per serving. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

Don’t forget to take advantage of tax credits Tax credits allow taxpayers to subtract dollar-for-dollar from their income tax bill, but many people miss out simply by failing to claim them. —Jeremy Tanner, The Hill, 18 Jan. 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