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
In his opening monologue, Dokoupil lamented that his colleagues in the news business had leaned too much into the perspectives of subject matter experts.
—
Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Her writing is breezy even when the subject matter is not exactly beachy.
—S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
As much as cinephiles look back at French and other European cinemas of past decades from the perspective of great films, the reality is what boosted art theaters and distributors in the late 1950s was the greater freedom in subject matters that European films provided.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 28 Dec. 2025
But even if the question is difficult or the subject matter is grim, there is a kind of fundamental pleasure in thinking about those things.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Her writing is breezy even when the subject matter is not exactly beachy.
—S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
As much as cinephiles look back at French and other European cinemas of past decades from the perspective of great films, the reality is what boosted art theaters and distributors in the late 1950s was the greater freedom in subject matters that European films provided.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 28 Dec. 2025
But even if the question is difficult or the subject matter is grim, there is a kind of fundamental pleasure in thinking about those things.
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
-
Here are Pereira’s thoughts on several topics, edited for clarity and brevity.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
This advertiser content was paid for and created by Acumen.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Specialized themes span food, trekking, family travel, women-only departures, and short breaks.—
Josh Roberts,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
-
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The sensor can record long and short exposures simultaneously, improving sharpness when subjects move.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The addition of those provisions, the lawsuit argues, violated a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that laws only deal with one subject.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The rest of the home features a similar color motif.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Playful yet structured, the manicure proves that a timeless motif can still feel fresh and fashion-forward.—
Kat Suico,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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No arrests have been announced, nor have police offered any hints for a motive for the killing.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
One person is currently in custody, but details have not been released about the suspect's identity or potential motive.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Coker, to be clear, had no say in the matter.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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Earlier this week, Risch spoke with Boise’s KIVI-TV Channel 6, and briefly addressed the matter.—
Kevin Fixler
January 10,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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