as in deductions
the act or an instance of taking away from a total
the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order
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Recent Examples of subtractions
The Tribune is tracking the major roster additions, subtractions and announcements of local teams.
—
Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
It’s now owned by Bacardi, and the lineup has seen some additions and subtractions over the past few years.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2026
Those three subtractions from the Texas roster happened over the first three days of the portal's 15-day window.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
And at 27-22, the Warriors were already in need of additions, not subtractions, for a real chance at a deep playoff run.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2026
The factors considered when assigning the grade for future outlook were potential new voices/subtractions in the front office and coaching staff, cap space to work with this offseason and draft picks available in 2026 and 2027.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Everything has fallen into place this offseason as the Nuggets prepare to hold their media day on Monday, starting with the subtractions.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025
Now, last minute additions (and subtractions), especially with really large yachts like MAR are pretty common at this stage before the show.
—Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies lost a second straight game to the New York Mets on Tuesday and that was preceded by some surprising roster subtractions.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
It’s now owned by Bacardi, and the lineup has seen some additions and subtractions over the past few years.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2026
Those three subtractions from the Texas roster happened over the first three days of the portal's 15-day window.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
And at 27-22, the Warriors were already in need of additions, not subtractions, for a real chance at a deep playoff run.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2026
The factors considered when assigning the grade for future outlook were potential new voices/subtractions in the front office and coaching staff, cap space to work with this offseason and draft picks available in 2026 and 2027.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Everything has fallen into place this offseason as the Nuggets prepare to hold their media day on Monday, starting with the subtractions.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025
Now, last minute additions (and subtractions), especially with really large yachts like MAR are pretty common at this stage before the show.
—Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies lost a second straight game to the New York Mets on Tuesday and that was preceded by some surprising roster subtractions.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtractions
Noun
-
Trim or eliminate tariffs, protect our veterans and disabled people’s finances and security, increase Social Security to reflect higher prices, more tax deductions.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
Employee paycheck information is available in detail by category, such as deductions, hours, earnings, and taxes, or in summary.—
Kathy Yakal,
PC Magazine,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but the plea agreement says the government will recommend level reductions in the sentencing guidelines.—
Andrew Blankstein,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
-
And their representatives on Monday did not rule out coming back to the city to ask for additional reductions as the work advances.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtractions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtractions. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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