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
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
The Senators also had some addition by subtraction on the back end this summer in letting Hamonic walk as a free agent.
—
The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Everything has fallen into place this offseason as the Nuggets prepare to hold their media day on Monday, starting with the subtractions.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025
Now, last minute additions (and subtractions), especially with really large yachts like MAR are pretty common at this stage before the show.
—Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
And the Yankees can hope for a little addition by subtraction in their next series, as manager Aaron Boone seems to have finally recognized that Jose Caballero is an upgrade over Anthony Volpe at the shortstop position.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
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The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Everything has fallen into place this offseason as the Nuggets prepare to hold their media day on Monday, starting with the subtractions.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025
Now, last minute additions (and subtractions), especially with really large yachts like MAR are pretty common at this stage before the show.
—Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
And the Yankees can hope for a little addition by subtraction in their next series, as manager Aaron Boone seems to have finally recognized that Jose Caballero is an upgrade over Anthony Volpe at the shortstop position.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
Cite this Entry
“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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