subject matter

noun

Definition of subject matternext
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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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 With their unusual production style and intriguing subject matter, many of these songs point to far better versions of themselves. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 While the subject matter shifted from bank robberies to art heists, the essence of the character as an effortlessly cool, independent wealthy titan of industry who stole for the thrill of it remained the same. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 July 2026 But given the profundity of her subject matter and the near-universal awe her art inspires, perhaps this sense of futility gestures at the incomprehensible, even transcendent aura around Petviashvili’s works. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 28 July 2026 The subject matter feels woefully modern, culminating in Brian trying to convince a literal mob of his progressive credentials. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
  1. topic
  2. content
  3. theme
  4. subject
  5. motif
  6. motive
  7. purpose
  8. matter
Noun
  • One of the topics tackled was how to reach next-generation Disney fans with next-generation content formats to keep the company’s many franchises relevant to Gen Alpha and beyond.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • At a session on a recent weekday morning, the topic of the day was trust.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • But that’s not the reality for many content creators, who are working on media production, audience retention strategies, brand partnerships and business relationships associated with their online presence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Top podcaster Alex Cooper’s beverage business is shutting down, demonstrating the challenges online creators often have in diversifying their work away from content.
    — Ashley Carman, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of content
Noun
  • The story centers on an authoritarian father and his two sons on vacation following a difficult separation and explores themes of power, masculinity and patriarchy.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Its themes of environmental fragility, social inequality, labour and belonging resonate strongly with the identity of our region.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of theme
Noun
  • The manual says no more than two gloves should be applied to a subject at one time and they should not be used for more than 15 seconds in many instances.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Less serious subjects are on the agenda, too, such as the initiation songs that started spontaneously one night in the team’s Rosewood hotel in Hong Kong.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of subject
Noun
  • The church’s nave is decorated in the incredibly intricate Manueline style – motifs that pay tribute to the sea trade that made Portugal rich.
    — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
  • His designs were distinguished by adventurous use of color and unconventional materials, often incorporating motifs drawn from nature, animals and the fantastical.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Investigators determined that Matute, aka Paguada Paguada, knew the two victims, but the motive for the shooting is still unclear.
    — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Rahmani said Nick’s interactions with guests at the party could be used as evidence of motive.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • But, rather than demolish the historic bridge, it was preserved and given a new purpose.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The purpose of the RIMPAC demonstration was to showcase a new artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) sonar processing system called SensorMAX.
    — David Szondy August 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • People who hold more senior positions in the system, or who have access to confidential information, generally have tighter restrictions placed upon them, according to several sources familiar with the matter and open government announcements.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • City spokesperson Brian Chasnoff told the San Antonio Current that the ballot structure for the bond program has not been determined and the city council will be briefed on the matter in September.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity
subject matter
subject matters
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Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subject matter

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