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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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
Graham developed a new way of expressing emotion and meaning through the body, using breath as a source of explosive energy, and tapping into her internal drama as subject matter.
—
Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026
While the film does not have an actual trigger warning that appears onscreen, James has been transparent about its subject matter.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
And as part of this challenge, NASA provides the student teams with access to NASA subject matter experts and space industry professionals to help guide them through their project.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 June 2026
The statement said leadership’s role was procedural only, and that presiding over the motion did not reflect agreement with or endorsement of its subject matter.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026
While the film does not have an actual trigger warning that appears onscreen, James has been transparent about its subject matter.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
And as part of this challenge, NASA provides the student teams with access to NASA subject matter experts and space industry professionals to help guide them through their project.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 June 2026
The statement said leadership’s role was procedural only, and that presiding over the motion did not reflect agreement with or endorsement of its subject matter.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
-
Backers of the mayor accused Raman of changing her position on an array of topics, including police hiring, the city’s anti-encampment law and even who should be mayor.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
But who would not wish for more paragraphs on these topics, produced by this particular writer?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
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,
12 June 2026
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The rest of this book explores these themes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
What’s fun about the Love Island USA challenges is the complex set designs and costumes all around a theme that isn’t entirely necessary but adds to the overall campiness of the show.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
That project is also the subject of a court challenge brought by The Cultural Landscape Foundation, which said repainting the bottom of the Reflecting Pool blue without first undergoing relevant reviews runs afoul of federal preservation laws governing historic sites.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 June 2026
-
McCullough said that when officers approached the subject, shots were fired toward the officers, striking one of the officers.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The one-shoulder dress was designed with a billowing, one-shoulder top with an ornately speckled red and white pattern motif throughout.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 June 2026
-
Rich textiles, custom embroidery, crystal embellishment and patriotic motifs brought texture, movement and a fresh interpretation of American glamour.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The Sheriff’s Office did not release any details about a motive or what might have led to the fatal shooting.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
-
Critics, however, have questioned the administration’s motives behind the new division given that fraud was already prosecuted by the agency’s Criminal Division, which last year announced the largest coordinated takedown of healthcare fraud schemes in Justice Department history.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
While much attention since the fire has focused on rebuilding physical structures, Nemecek said preserving the ranch’s purpose is equally important.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
-
And yet, while the animals in these stories are sacrificed to selfish purpose and whim, the human characters are astonished and haunted by them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Trump being three years younger than Biden doesn’t matter anymore, because nothing the Bidens do matters anymore.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Messaging and voter contact matter, and that's where Ford may have an advantage.—
Paul Boger,
NPR,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
