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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Recent Examples of subject matter
Students selected will come together July 5 in Austin, Texas to conduct experiments, tour facilities, network with other students, and conduct research while being mentored by NASA, industry, and academia subject matter experts at The University of Texas at Austin.
—
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Typically, this type of work would be handled by a less senior attorney at the department who had more direct involvement with the subject matter at hand, the former official said.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
The logic is that commissioners are subject matter experts who will not favor any team.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026
Tillmans frequently displays his work tacked or taped directly to the gallery wall, interspersed with postcards, ink-jet prints, and magazine clippings, calling into question typical hierarchies of scale and subject matter and pointing out the photos’ materiality.
—News Desk, Artforum, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
Typically, this type of work would be handled by a less senior attorney at the department who had more direct involvement with the subject matter at hand, the former official said.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
The logic is that commissioners are subject matter experts who will not favor any team.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026
Tillmans frequently displays his work tacked or taped directly to the gallery wall, interspersed with postcards, ink-jet prints, and magazine clippings, calling into question typical hierarchies of scale and subject matter and pointing out the photos’ materiality.
—News Desk, Artforum, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
-
Budget travel is a hot topic these days, with surging oil prices and the closure of Spirit Airlines.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
-
Schizophrenia, bipolar, autism, anxiety, depression – all of these topics are almost global bestsellers.—
Jon LaPook,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Before publishing, journalists reviewed this content in compliance with McClatchy Media’s AI policy.—
Ruyuan Li. Story produced with AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
-
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
But my belief is that this is the mighty theme contemporary fiction has largely overlooked.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
Based on six modalities, spa, holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy, aesthetic beauty and nutrition – and offering almost 200 different sessions and treatments – the 15 retreat themes include a new one, Ageing Well.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Co-founded 26 years ago by Ronni Abergel, The Human Library offers 30-minute conversations with living books – volunteers who share their knowledge and experience in a wealth of subjects – in free 30-minute sessions.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
-
She was raised by her mother, a makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics stores who would occasionally use Demie as a subject for her master classes.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The hypnotic motifs and stylized figures in these collections lit a fuse for Nilsson and her peers, seeding a fascination with non-Western art that has continued throughout her career.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
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Although the hotel is Japanese inspired, the Peninsula Tokyo incorporates many pan-Asian elements—gilt finishes, flower petal motifs on the carpets, and cherry wood panelling, to name a few.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
According to Butcher, since Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, the clear motive is financial greed.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
2 June 2026
-
The two candidates vying for Fulton County Commission chair repeatedly questioned each other’s motives Monday during a testy debate ahead of their runoff election.—
Shaddi Abusaid,
AJC.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
My novel is about that sea-change and the search for purpose.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
While there is nothing particularly Jordanian about the design, the interiors serve multiple purposes for visiting business travelers and tourists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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The city manager issued a statement saying the city is aware of the incident, takes the matter seriously, and confirmed that Ray had been relieved of her duties.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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