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 JioHotstar’s show landed binge audiences, quite the feat for subject matter so dark. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 His perspective on these dense subject matters comes through in the material. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 The conservative commentator argued that treating movies differently because of their subject matter infringed on filmmakers’ constitutional rights. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026 Having started out as an actor, his experimental camera work and daring subject matter while directing for an independent British network, ABC, had shaken some in the business. — Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter

Noun

Under Burgum's 2025 campaign, signs, books, films and exhibits covering topics such as slavery, climate change and the massacre of Native Americans were flagged and removed from national parks and monuments nationwide.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Aside from clashing over national topics like tariffs, the Iran war, artificial intelligence and Social Security, the candidates were asked about jobs in Michigan, the auto industry and education.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Doing so permanently deletes all locked chats, any memories stored only within locked chats, and files or other content protected only by the previous PIN.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The latest Netflix call underlined the growth in terms of viewers of content coming from non-English language countries.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

Ultimately, what is driving all of these things is the theme and the emotion underneath it, and that is the thing that everything else needs to spiral out of.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
The packaging hits on early internet-era themes as well, with a graphic of a pink Nokia-style phone on the box, for all your Paris Hilton-paparazzi-picture needs.

— Madison Collins, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of theme

Noun

Each section of the crest pays tribute to the club, the city of Barcelona and the region of Catalonia, through motifs that include the Saint George’s Cross, the Senyera (the Catalan flag) and a vintage-style soccer ball.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
The same questions and ideas and motifs haunt you for the rest of your life.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

Its purpose is to help eliminate malignant cells that may remain after surgery, reducing the chance of another tumor taking hold.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
The decor nods to her career without losing sight of the hotel’s purpose as a place to unwind after a day exploring Music City.

— Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Beyond criminal matters, the office is involved in other efforts.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
But victory is far from assured, and the polling numbers – which can be inaccurate – matter less than Israel’s coalition arithmetic.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity

subject matter

subject matters

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subject matter

noun

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