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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Recent Examples of subject matter
Where other projects have found success discussing the same notions bleakly, Etzler trusts his sardonic approach will tempt audiences to let their guards down and allow the subject matter to resonate, perhaps looking inward at their own complicity in the process.
—
Holly Jones, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The film is notable not only for its subject matter, but for its experiments in form.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 25 Sep. 2025
During a conversation with Elle magazine, Rocky spoke on the subject matter and the pace of his latest film.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2025
That subject matter, which is inspired by a true story from a Cosmopolitan magazine feature, may be a bit too hot for Apple TV+ following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent examples of political violence in the United States.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Holly Jones, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
The film is notable not only for its subject matter, but for its experiments in form.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 25 Sep. 2025
During a conversation with Elle magazine, Rocky spoke on the subject matter and the pace of his latest film.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2025
That subject matter, which is inspired by a true story from a Cosmopolitan magazine feature, may be a bit too hot for Apple TV+ following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent examples of political violence in the United States.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
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Those were all topics discussed at a forum for Republican candidates running to represent Kentucky's 6th Congressional District.—
Hannah Pinski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The glare-free screen does black-and-white content at 300 ppi resolution, and goes down to 150 ppi for color.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
1 Oct. 2025
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This year, our content showcase features three projects that originated at MIA.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Shot in Germany and Montevideo, the film examines themes of accessibility, artistic expression and maternal identity.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
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TikTok said in its transparency report covering January through March 2025 that roughly 30% of the content removed from the platform because of a policy violation was taken down due to sensitive and mature themes.—
Ana Nicolaci da Costa,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The lenient deal has since been the subject of widespread scrutiny and conspiracy theories—along with many other aspects of Epstein’s life and case.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
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The president is coming out, giving a bunch of names, and tons of people who are getting messages from above them say, please don’t talk about these subjects; please don’t take these subjects on.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That’s a running motif in Israeli art.—
Gershom Gorenberg,
The Atlantic,
3 Oct. 2025
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Derrick Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; David Shrigley featured wit and humor through banana motifs and Hattie Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Authorities have arrested Douglas Irwin Shaw, 41, on suspicion of murder, though the Vallejo Police Department has not declared a motive or clarified whether the two knew each other.—
Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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As police investigate the motive for the deadly shooting attack, metro Detroit law enforcement is stepping up security at houses of worship.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Personality and purpose Upon entering the home, the first room one notices is Catherine's spacious office, which sits just to the left of the front door.—
Lennie Omalza,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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While the Sixers theoretically have four centers, one is the brittle Joel Embiid, two are youngsters who haven’t clearly established themselves yet (Adem Bona and Johni Broome) and the other is a near-the-end Andre Drummond, who might also be traded for tax purposes.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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One of the defendants, Benjamin Song — a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters — shot Alvarado Police Department Lt.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
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Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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