SUBJECT MATTER Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

subject matter

noun

Definition of subject matter

as in topic

the information or ideas that are discussed or dealt with in a book, movie, etc.; what something is about I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. The magazine's editors care more about style than about subject matter. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.

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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.

Recent Examples of subject matter Despite their pointy protrusions, the sculptures are not spiky enough to leave a mark; and despite their flirtations with touchy subject matter, none of the works—not even the 9/11 ones—are vulgar enough to get Wolfson in hot water. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Despite the dangerous and often violent nature of its subject matter, his Twitch livestream, titled Birds in the Air, is a joyous place filled with passionate fans and long-running jokes. — Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026 While audiences will find plenty of humor in this film, its subject matter is serious—as is Wilson. — Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026 Given the subject matter, children under the age of six are not allowed for this play, according to the PPAC website. — Rin Velasco, The Providence Journal, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter

Noun

That is a curiosity when the topic is which chatbot writes a better limerick.

— Puneet Gaur, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Users complete a questionnaire covering typical first-date topics, including interests, habits, preferences, and values.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Google initially declined to approve the app for its Play Store over concerns about its content moderation practices.

— byDebbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
Also at Iberseries, Pedro Lopes, director general of content at SPi in Portugal, gave some insight into typical microdrama viewing behavior.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

Early on, the theme was limited to the back glass of the machine and maybe some of the playfield art.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
The project is predicated on the theme that the title suggests — love of self, love of others, love for her daughter Hazel — while embracing a swath of styles spanning quiet storm to smooth, finger-snapped R&B.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of theme

Noun

Drawn to the tactile and familiar qualities of paper, Teo uses playful forms and visual metaphors to transform everyday subjects and construct whimsical, imagined worlds.

— New York Times Games, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The same is true for Sabonis, who continues to be the subject of trade rumors.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of subject

Noun

There are artworks by South African and international artists, while circular shapes throughout the house nod to Zulu design motifs.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026
Pony hair printed with different animal patterns has become a recurring motif across the sneaker landscape from 2025 through to now, most prominently appearing at Nike via the Air Force 1 Low with renditions including leopard and cow prints.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

In light of that revelation, Faist now sees another possible motive for Cyrus’ treatment of his sons, one driven by hubris and a desire to protect his own fictional legacy.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Police have not commented on a possible motive for Saturday's stabbing, which remains under investigation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of motive

Noun

Other independents in the Senate, including Maine's Angus King on the moderate end and Vermont's Bernie Sanders on the left, caucus with Democrats for organizational purposes and committee assignments.

— NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
These varietals are not only tolerant to the high desert environment, but they were also planted with the sole purpose of conserving water and controlling run-off.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Furnari recalled that some of the song’s early music and lyrics came together quickly, but writing words that could do justice to their experience was another matter.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
This achievement could give scientists a new way to control how light interacts with matter, study extremely fast quantum processes, and eventually distinguish molecules that are mirror images of each other.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of matter

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subjectivity

subject matter

subject matters

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“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subject matter

noun

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