subtractive

adjective

sub·​trac·​tive səb-ˈtrak-tiv 

1

: tending to subtract

2

: constituting or involving subtraction

Examples of subtractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic? —James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026

From subtractive to additive manufacturing The breakthrough 3D printing technology Carbon DLS is a vat photopolymerization process that uses digital light projection (DLP), oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce durable polymer products. —Brooke Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026

Maxine used both additive and subtractive painting processes to build textured canvases. —Emma Allen, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

The ability to create subtractive colors between the backlights and the color filters helps lead to higher efficiency for improved brightness, potentially equating to Sony's renowned professional monitors. —Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subtractive

• attractive
• contractive
• extractive
• inactive
• proactive
• reactive
• refractive
• active
• tractive
• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive

Kids Definition

subtractive

adjective

sub·​trac·​tive səb-ˈtrak-tiv 

: being or involving subtraction