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
A24‘s dark comedy feature The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has already become the focus of debate, despite the studio’s efforts to conceal the film’s true subject matter from its marketing.
—
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
The collections in these institutions are significantly more diverse in terms of creators and subject matter than is represented by this list.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The movie deals with extremely serious subject matter, with multiple flashbacks to a younger version of Emma, who is physically and verbally bullied during high school.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
The subject matter is deathly serious—international war, unfolding in real time, killing thousands—yet the visual vocabulary is preposterously trivializing.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
The collections in these institutions are significantly more diverse in terms of creators and subject matter than is represented by this list.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The movie deals with extremely serious subject matter, with multiple flashbacks to a younger version of Emma, who is physically and verbally bullied during high school.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
The subject matter is deathly serious—international war, unfolding in real time, killing thousands—yet the visual vocabulary is preposterously trivializing.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
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Workplan topics throughout the year include rate relief measures, energy programs, hydrogen vehicle fueling stations, social media marketing, and long-term power procurement strategy.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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What's the best way to bring up the topic with your partner?—
Clare Marie Schneider,
NPR,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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McDonald's teamed up with Netflix to launch two limited-time meals inspired by the film’s rival K-pop groups, HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys — complete with collectible photocards and exclusive digital content.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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The American Revolution exhibit has exclusive Carolina content The Charlotte Museum of History also is dedicating a full gallery to telling the story of the Carolinas during the American Revolution.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An important starting point would be not forgetting the basics — something that has been the concerning theme of this season.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
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Through the personal stories of activists and intense courtroom battles, host Brendan Patrick Hughes explores themes of faith, rebellion, and the complexities of confronting injustice, ultimately offering a compelling blueprint for modern activism.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Orientale basin will be an ongoing subject of study for members of the Orion spacecraft's four-person crew, which includes commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
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The consensus of the interview subjects is that the prime period of New York filmmaking was brought to an end by television, which involved far more corporate oversight of production and turned the process into an impersonal assembly line.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Lemann, like the talkative older ladies of her youth, clutches the motifs of her past like talismans.—
Brandy Jensen,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
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The carpet on Hollywood Boulevard was decorated with a Southwestern desert motif that echoes the setting of the first scenes of the new season.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The financial motive was also discredited as George had previously turned down his share of the family inheritance.—
Patrick Salland,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
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Police say the first steps in determining a motive will be getting background on the woman who died.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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What's new is using criminal prosecutors for partisan purposes -- and there's no quotes about that in the case.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
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That is leading people to lean on their faith for meaning and purpose.—
Marissa Sulek,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Broadway and Downtown, 12South, East Nashville and The Gulch each have a distinct feel, so choosing where to base yourself matters.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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The team and players — two of whom accepted asylum offers to remain in Australia — didn't comment on the matter.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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