subject matter

noun

Definition of subject matternext
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 subject matter feels woefully modern, culminating in Brian trying to convince a literal mob of his progressive credentials. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 Tuck is focusing on wall paintings the middle class had inside smaller houses and how the subject matter differed from murals inside elite homes. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Only by involving multiple subject matter experts can the government ensure that the best projects — ones that will yield technological and biomedical advances aligned with broad national and international interests — are supported. — Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 Both artists were fascinated by the raw potential represented by organic subject matter. — News Desk, Artforum, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
  1. topic
  2. content
  3. theme
  4. subject
  5. motif
  6. motive
  7. purpose
  8. matter
Noun
  • But as the topic turned to the relationship school shooter Colt Gray had with his mother Marcee – the allegations of abuse and neglect and her chummy jail conversations with him after the shooting – Breanna Schermerhorn could no longer stay silent.
    — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Max Clark is a topic unto himself, a lightning rod with a big personality, can’t-miss tattoos, magenta gear and glimmering chains that have become synonymous with his persona.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • If your content is not the clearest, most direct answer to a real question your customer is actually asking, it will not get pulled.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Warkol, meanwhile, now works in business development at OTTera, a global content distribution marketplace that connects media publishers with major platforms like Roku and Samsung TV Plus.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of content
Noun
  • Mark Davis Andrade debuted an awesome new theme and had two ladies with him.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The competitors were graded on criteria such as theme, artistic expression and musical coordination.
    — Yu Wang, Mercury News, 26 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
  • The actress continued the metallic silver color motif with strappy sandals by Jimmy Choo.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • The influence and emblem of basketball was everywhere, whether through stitched motifs, graphic details, or the written across letterman jackets, cargo pants, and t-shirts.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Washington supplies the last motive, with CNBC framing the alliance as the sector's pushback against efforts to curb Chinese models.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The governor's office hasn't responded to a request for comment from USA TODAY about the allegations of political motives.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • One of the purposes of Ameri’kana is to gather with other people, meet new neighbors and participate in the arts with others.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Our waiter, Juan, was – as all servers at Papi Steak are – quick to illuminate the kaleidoscopic dish with a pocket flashlight, apparently for documentary purposes.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Multiple people familiar with the matter said the crown prince raised concerns about plans for potential strikes on Iran during the call.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity
subject matter
subject matters
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Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subject matter

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