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 So who is the subject matter, exactly? — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 In addition, some 80 scientists and subject matter experts have signed on to review the site’s content. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 25 June 2026 Judges will seek uniqueness of vision, innovation and diversity in storytelling, as well as originality and provocative subject matter. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 23 June 2026 The palettes are often chalky and austere—bleached grays, oxidized browns—and the subject matter can blur into undifferentiated bulk. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter

Noun

Comment Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.

— Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 11 July 2026
Later the internet would help Lillard stay informed and learn about all sorts of topics, including her disease, which paralyzed her from the neck down.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of topic

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, 11 July 2026
The Los Angeles case targets platform features like infinite scroll and autoplay rather than user content, a strategy that could shape thousands of similar suits.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of content

Noun

While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of theme

Noun

This immersive show moves through seven years of portraits through Oyer’s lens, capturing subjects’ raw individuality.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The skyscraper has been the subject of multiple complaints, including allegations of falling debris and unsafe conditions, records show.

— Kelly McCleary, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of subject

Noun

Circular motifs carved into the doors are reminiscent of the portholes of luxury ocean liners that once docked nearby on the Hudson River.

— Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
Both motifs also appear in Shakespeare’s play, but were not understood clearly until the painting, like a missing puzzle piece, helped connect the dots.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

Similar motives may be powering the fast-growing market for divination, astrology and tarot reading apps.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
The suspects remain unidentified, their motives are unknown and detectives are seeking any information that could assist in the investigation.

— Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Definition of motive

Noun

However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

— Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
First, only players with three years of NBA experience are eligible (even a portion of a season in the NBA counts as a year for two-way purposes).

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Few fans walk to game Though traffic has generally been better around the stadium since the last time Argentina was in town, some fans are still taking matters into their own hands, seen walking along the road two hours leading up to kickoff.

— The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Oman on Saturday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional developments, a source familiar with the matter told CNN Friday.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity

subject matter

subject matters

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Cite this Entry

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“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of subject matter

noun

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