SUBJECT MATTER Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

subject matter

noun

Definition of subject matter

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 Speaking a few weeks after the launch of Tom Cruise-starring satirical polemic Digger, Wishart feels docs and features about this subject matter have become overly preachy. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 The company is planning to launch a handful of new shows over the next few months, with a longer-term goal of having 12-16 channels led by creators who are subject matter experts. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Oct. 2026 Despite the subject matter, Waititi and Ortega said the film is not a commentary on artificial intelligence. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Southern Methodist University political science professor Cal Jillson said the timing and subject matter suggest the mailing could be intended to draw attention to an issue already at the center of political debate. — Brian New, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter

Noun

This year’s conference is expected to focus on implementing existing climate commitments, reducing emissions and accelerating the clean energy transition, among other topics.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Cavan Images/Alamy There was a land of Usenet forums and AOL keywords, LiveJournals and Blogspots and single-topic Tumblrs.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Passed in 1996, the federal legislation has protected social media companies from being sued over content posted by their users.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Clinical intent lives inside systems, EHRs, point-of-care workflows and clinical content platforms that were never built to expose it in real time to anyone outside the clinical encounter itself.

— Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

This androgynous, liminal realm is the soil from which all of Great Jobs’s tracks blossom, variations on a theme that’s equal parts introspective and exploratory.

— Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
Now, meet the brand’s mask, which takes a three-pronged approach to hydration using high-tech ingredients with another marine theme.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of theme

Noun

Simple designs feature seasonal color themes or basic designs, while more ornate doormats feature intricate motifs or novelty shapes.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Designed from scratch, the NHL and Fanatics aimed to get details like local landmarks, motifs and culture more involved when creating the jerseys for each team.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

No arrests have been made, and detectives have not released details of a motive behind the shootings.

— Mark Price November 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026
Still, further research is needed to fully explain the motives and rationale behind the reuse of pagan tombs and sarcophagi during the medieval Christian period, Roffey told CNN in an email.

— Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of motive

Noun

North Korea’s Missile Administration said its cluster warheads fall into four categories, depending on their intended purpose.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
The flashback structure doesn’t serve much of a purpose except to delay the audience’s complete endorsement of a character who, though appropriately cantankerous, is unambiguously a hero and nice guy.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Citizens who had identification issues have until Tuesday to address those matters in person at their local elections office.

— BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Each bed also includes a lifetime warranty, so feel free to shift your focus to more pressing matters, like how to style your Thanksgiving tablescape.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity

subject matter

subject matters

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of subject matter

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wabi-sabi

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes