subject 1 of 4

Definition of subjectnext
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2
as in citizen
a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it because of the tense situation in that country, British subjects were advised to return home as soon as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing he has no subject to protest this time, but that's never stopped him before

Synonyms & Similar Words

subject

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verb

subject

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adjective

subjection

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noun (2)

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
Noun
For one thing, money is still a relatively taboo subject. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 Remember, on July 4, 1776, most people had been, through time, subjects. NBC news, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
Once the material was made, the team subjected it to a battery of tests. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 Jan. 2026 Pruning at this time reduces the risk of subjecting the tree to stress or disease. Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Officers and agents must also have reason to believe that the subject alien resides at and is currently located at the address where the Form I-205 is to be served. Luke Barr, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026 The seven subject areas identified in this year's report are exceptional student education, math, English, general science, physical science, Earth and space science and English for Speakers of Other Languages. CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
Miners argue increased subjection to the dust has led to an eruption of black lung, an incurable disease associated with inhaling the particles. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subject
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject
Verb
  • The rival bids have drawn scrutiny from antitrust experts and lawmakers, who worry that either death could reduce competition in an entertainment industry already dominated by streaming giants.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026
  • It’s speculated that a runaway greenhouse effect took place on Venus long ago, leading to its dense, thick, hot atmosphere, dominated by carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid clouds.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • If successful, the technology is slated for wider adoption across multiple EV lines, signaling a potential shift away from lithium-dependent batteries.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Previously, the tax code allowed claiming the child credit if the child or dependent had a Social Security number.
    Sarah Moreno February 6, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The last Winter Olympics, held in Beijing during COVID, were subdued.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Fans in the arena have been fairly subdued, but an in-house DJ has made a steady stream of dance hits the day’s soundtrack.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • One is 36 and on the backside of his career but proud of the fact that he’s never missed the playoffs – which the 6-20 Clippers seemed bound to do.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 18 Dec. 2025
  • These objects have hyperbolic orbits, as opposed to the bound circular or elliptical orbits of everything native to the solar system.
    Darryl Seligman, Space.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • One such case is this tense Oscar-winning doc about rock climber Alex Honnold and his determination to conquer the El Capitan rock formation at Yosemite National Park via free solo climb, which is to say, without any ropes to protect him.
    Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
  • His small band of Spaniards pulled off the impossible, and conquered the Mexica empire with alliances, superior technology and diseases.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Until a few years ago, millions of Iranians repeatedly voted in the country’s mostly unfree elections, hoping that regime insiders could pave a path for reform.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
  • His elections in 2018 and 2024 were widely denounced as fraudulent or unfree by the U.S., the European Union and many Latin American governments.
    Paul Vallas, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Environmental justice advocates say that, in the past, vulnerable communities viewed the federal government as an ally to overcome roadblocks with local and state governments to access resources.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • And none have the same late-season baggage to overcome as the Red Wings.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In 2022, Horvath won her supervisorial seat, defeating former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, a political veteran.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Landsman, a Cincinnati Democrat, defeated Sonza 54% to 46% in 2024.
    Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Subject.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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