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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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 The tan suit gate made major headlines, took over what was formerly Twitter, and sparked backlash from right-wing pundits who deemed it too casual for the subject matter. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Per Page Six, Harry began planning the move after meeting with his father, King Charles, in July (where the subject matter was not discussed). — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026 Sign language becomes cinematic grammar rather than subject matter. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Whether they’re built around apocalyptic beliefs, aliens, religion, or even romance, cults and the people who fall under their spell tend to make for irresistible subject matter. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter

Noun

Big picture The league and the union are meeting regularly on various topics, but their disagreement on core economics — whether to move to a cap system — leaves little room for progress on the major issues.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Journalists working on environmental topics in sub-Saharan Africa are coming under attack, a new report found.

— Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

As for Apple, Amazon and Sony, all three companies have strong technology businesses in addition to theatrical and streaming content, which may align nicely with Imax's tech-heavy business.

— Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The law is aimed at prohibiting children from obtaining books and movies with obscene content.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

Jacksonville has a successful Triple-A franchise, the Jumbo Shrimp, that won its league last year, bringing fun theme nights, quirky mascots and between-inning craziness.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
It was also applied to various New York acts – the Ramones, the New York Dolls, Richard Hell – who experimented with outlandish outfits, back-to-basics songwriting, and themes of teenage alienation.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of theme

Noun

As designers and artists alike will attest, a picture frame recontextualizes its subject.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026
Blackbox soon established that the complainant did not wish to participate, and alleges that 5 was aware of the individual’s reluctance to be the subject of a series based on their experience.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of subject

Noun

Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations in all their vibrant, psychedelic glory.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Her looks often incorporated classic country motifs like cowboy hats or bell-bottom jeans, though usually made Dolly-appropriate with a healthy helping of sparkles and vibrant hues.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

Anthropic wanted assurance that its technology would not be used for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, and the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Thankfully, his reappearance in the show actually has a deeper purpose.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Conduct a Soil Test Taking samples of the soil from several places in the lawn will provide information about soil acidity (pH), nutrient levels, and organic matter content.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
From obscurity to the top of the football world, all in the matter of a few days.

— Sam McDowell August 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of subject matter

noun

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