Synonyms of subject matter

subject matter

noun

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

• topic
• content
• theme
• subject
• motif
• motive
• purpose
• matter
• idea
• substance
• question
• talking point
• problem
• issue
• consideration
• count
• basis
• essence
• body
• fundamental
• point
• bulk
• heart
• burden
• core
• argument
• nucleus
• sum
• kernel
• main
• mass
• staple
• net
• generality
• essential
• pivot
• crux
• gist
• marrow
• centerpiece
• purport
• debate
• nub
• bottom
• pith
• quick
• grist
• keynote
• nubbin
• affair
• essentiality

Dissimilar Words

• aside
• tangent
• excursion
• parenthesis
• digression
• interjection

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subject matter

Though Gibson’s early subject matter often centered around birds, his work in later years shifted focus to mythology, which became more prominent in the following decade. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Leading up to the release, there was a lot of reporting about the original third act, which dealt with some sensitive subject matter. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Knowing that before an executive steps behind a podium is part of understanding the audience, just as knowing the technical subject matter is, too. — Amanda Simonian, Forbes.com, 16 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