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.

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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 Both artists were fascinated by the raw potential represented by organic subject matter. — News Desk, Artforum, 17 July 2026 Every Brilliant Thing balances difficult subject matter with joy. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 The lawsuit spotlights ongoing industry concerns about the mental health of crew and producers, including those working on documentaries dealing with traumatic subject matters. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 July 2026 But Nunez, as befits her subject matter, is high on today’s crop of young authors. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter

Noun

In April 2022, Roberts used a racial slur at a state board meeting after the former Topeka NAACP president had addressed the Board on the topic of African-American history.

— Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Digitization, personalization, and AI strategy have become staple topics on the agendas of leading cultural industry forums.

— Mureji Fatunde-Iloeje, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Now protesters are using that same platform to mock his administration, ridicule pro-government television news coverage, transform confrontation with police into viral content and seize control of the online narrative.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
The contents of the sixth chapter were initially Baraitot, oral teachings passed down alongside the Mishnah.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Definition of content

Noun

In line with the episode’s gothic theme, the women’s smiles, while somewhat genuine, carry a hint of terror.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
The shorter run time also means some themes get reduced into syrup; the platitudes come as fast and furious as Tao and Elle’s breakups and makeups, with too little space to breathe in between.

— Gemma Wilson, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026

Definition of theme

Noun

The $100 million in assistance had been the subject of controversy between the two governments.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
His ability to teach, plus his schematic roots (more recently of the Robert Saleh/Jeff Ulbrich tree), will be the subject of much interest.

— Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of subject

Noun

That case focused mostly on the details of the knife attack itself; the federal one delves more into questions of motive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Whether Villa only wanted to loan Garnacho anyway is unclear, but there’s an obvious motive for not signing him permanently.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of motive

Noun

The alleged purpose of the bill is to improve the retention of police and firefighters, but evidence shows there isn’t a retention crisis among these employees.

— Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
Selfie videos can be used for login purposes, to verify your age for accessing certain account features, and to create an AI avatar.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Those comments came after Trump met with top advisers and Cabinet officials Friday to discuss a potential escalation of the war, according to a source familiar with the matter.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Doctors are being clear about who should actually be tested and who shouldn’t, and the qualifications matter as much as the science behind them.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity

subject matter

subject matters

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of subject matter

noun

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