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
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
On its face, and by the sound of it, degrowth is subtractive, which seems bad.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2024
But of course nothing like that could have happened, and the actual process was subtractive rather than additive.
—Jared Diamond, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
That eliminates the specialized and time-consuming CNC programming that’s required for the subtractive process. Mantle has worked with a number of parts producers to evaluate and validate its materials and technology, including Tessy Plastics and a global medical device manufacturer.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021
See All Example Sentences for subtractive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2025
On its face, and by the sound of it, degrowth is subtractive, which seems bad.
—E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2024
But of course nothing like that could have happened, and the actual process was subtractive rather than additive.
—Jared Diamond, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
That eliminates the specialized and time-consuming CNC programming that’s required for the subtractive process. Mantle has worked with a number of parts producers to evaluate and validate its materials and technology, including Tessy Plastics and a global medical device manufacturer.
—Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021
See All Example Sentences for subtractive
Cite this Entry
“Subtractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtractive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subtractive
adjective
sub·trac·tive
səb-ˈtrak-tiv
: being or involving subtraction
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share