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

In many cases, the first transformation will not be subtraction. —Rahul Saluja, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

The Work of Unbecoming What followed was not a reinvention, but a process of subtraction. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 13 May 2026

Even if the subtraction is being felt hard in some corners of the clubhouse. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 May 2026

The Tribune is tracking the major roster additions, subtractions and announcements of local teams. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 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