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

• deduction

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

But to expect the Flyers to meaningfully take steps forward without a significant addition or two by Briere — particularly after two years of roster subtraction — is, to be blunt, ludicrous. —Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Understand Math Research shows that most babies have a basic sense of subtraction. —Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 15 May 2025

These start simple enough — addition, subtraction — before escalating to multiplication, division, squares, and roots. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025

However, in many ways, this is a case of addition by subtraction. —The Athletic, New York Times, 13 May 2025

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