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
And then there’s the firm’s green-economy banking practice, designed to service clients in the clean-technology sector with subject matter expertise, including scientists and engineers, as well as leading bankers in the field.
—
Justin Worland, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
The streamer would not elaborate on the reasons for the last-minute change but The Savant’s subject matter is believed to be behind it, with the storyline and some of the imagery considered possibly triggering following the recent assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
The novel's subject matter felt particularly timely, Burke explains to PEOPLE — and writing Yesteryear provided her a way to confront that head-on.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 23 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
Justin Worland, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
The streamer would not elaborate on the reasons for the last-minute change but The Savant’s subject matter is believed to be behind it, with the storyline and some of the imagery considered possibly triggering following the recent assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
The novel's subject matter felt particularly timely, Burke explains to PEOPLE — and writing Yesteryear provided her a way to confront that head-on.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 23 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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His phenomenal start at Anfield is why the No 9 role is such a big discussion topic and why his actions were somewhat understandable.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
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The content is part of an interconnected ecosystem that includes toys, books, merchandise and live events.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The theme was naturally mirrored behind-the-scenes, where the young cast quickly bonded and turned their traumatic on-screen experiences into Canadian summer camp with the cameras off.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
26 Sep. 2025
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Mascots usually represent the themes of the city’s character.—
Marc Williams,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But on one subject, Reese’s honesty bubbles to the surface.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Sep. 2025
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Unlike Boggs and Wade, whose subjects had commanded biographical and scholarly attention for decades, Richardson was breaking trail from the beginning, writing a life that had never been written before.—
Megan Marshall
September 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Presley opted to continue the ethereal white motif.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
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Street artist James Goldcrown used his signature Bleeding Hearts motif to evoke, perhaps, that time is love.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Law enforcement and Republican politicians suggested a political motive for the shooting, which comes amid ramped up ICE deportation efforts throughout the country.—
Luke Barr,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
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Narcissistic kindness can take many forms, and some narcissists may be more skilled at concealing their real motives than others.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
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The label is used in terms of law enforcement for investigative purposes and probing terrorist threats.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In recent discussions with NBC, YouTube TV, part of Google parent Alphabet, has sought terms that the broadcaster felt were markedly better than those already negotiated with other carriers, according to a person familiar with the matter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Sep. 2025
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Labels matter Security analysts say the situation in Haiti continues to defy clear international legal characterization and the choice of labels – crisis, armed conflict, gangs, terrorist groups, armed groups, criminal groups, insurgents – carries significant legal and humanitarian implications.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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