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

Nearly every subtraction is an experiment, and nearly every experiment can be reversed. — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The addition of a Stefon Diggs or Deebo Samuel would likely mean the subtraction of Walker or Wester and limited opportunities for Lane and Sarratt. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Offseason additions and subtractions That inability to get a stop may be part of the reason that Los Angeles went out and made a major splash this offseason. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

The Rangers will have a couple of notable additions and a subtraction. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 15 July 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