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

Willis represents a first move of building, not subtracting. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026

In short, the key to better digestion isn’t a single food to add or subtract in your diet. —Michele Ross, SELF, 9 Mar. 2026

This chicken is a great recipe to customize to your preferences, adding and subtracting fresh veggies to suit your taste. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Jared Brooks Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office Brooks was given credit for 102 days served in jail prior to his sentencing, which will be subtracted from the eight year sentence handed down by Clear Creek County Judge Catherine Cheroutes. —Austen Erblat, CBS News, 5 Mar. 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