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
Her work is characterized by sharp dialogue, complex female protagonists, and a lighthearted approach to dark subject matter.
—
Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
Basically, the artwork should resemble more of the artist’s touch, and their personal experience with the subject matter, than just the subject matter itself.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Of the two, Diamante is more of a conventional rock vocalist, while Mothica is more indie/alt-rock and deals in darker subject matter.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Kyle Eldkerkin urged Demetric Scott to get a significant amount of prison time in the case that became subject matter in the national conversation on immigration enforcement.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026
Basically, the artwork should resemble more of the artist’s touch, and their personal experience with the subject matter, than just the subject matter itself.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Of the two, Diamante is more of a conventional rock vocalist, while Mothica is more indie/alt-rock and deals in darker subject matter.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Kyle Eldkerkin urged Demetric Scott to get a significant amount of prison time in the case that became subject matter in the national conversation on immigration enforcement.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
-
Fears around migration in Turkey Migration is a sensitive topic in Turkey, which at one point was hosting nearly 4 million Syrian refugees.—
Serra Yedikardes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Things like focused breathing, mental offloading, light and temperature, somatic focused grounding, and limited screen time are hot topics.—
Emilee Coblentz,
Outside,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
-
May 21 – June 20 The timing of your statements matters just as much as their content.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Reflecting on Russia’s sustained attack on Ukraine and its repercussions across the Baltic region, the pair submitted grief and resurrection as the theme for this year’s triennial.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The next theme, coming this summer, will be dinosaur-related, said Library Executive Director Lindsey Dorfman.—
Jennifer Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Music is the focal point of each service, with Jeffrey playing guitar and keyboards behind the curtain, singing in a wavering voice reminiscent of Jeff Mangum about the subjects, ideas and feelings that have occupied his mind at various stages of his life.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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That’s the subject of a pretrial hearing scheduled for May 18.—
Adam Reiss,
NBC news,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The wrought iron table, loveseat, and chairs have charming scrollwork details, subtle floral motifs, and a distressed finish.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The motif of shooting this show, as Alex [Kurtzman] established in the pilot, were these tight moving close-ups with these new anamorphic spherical lenses that are up in people's faces.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Chief Superintendent Chris Leather called it a national security incident and said the national police force is working with Toronto police to understand the motive.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
-
How Ortiz obtained the firearm is still under investigation, per Hochman, as is the motive for the shooting.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For anyone building a compact, efficient toolkit, the hori hori knife eliminates the need for several single-purpose gadgets.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
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The military’s purpose is national defense, not managing domestic dissent.—
Brielle Miller,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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An Israeli intelligence official and a reservist with knowledge of the assessment spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
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The motion, introduced by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, creates a three-member ad hoc committee tasked with reviewing all pending city matters related to Measure ULA and recommending next steps.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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