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
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
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
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Some taxpayers claiming new deductions — including for seniors, tips and overtime — are seeing increases closer to $775 on average.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
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Those who itemize their taxes and fall within the highest tax bracket will now be limited to claiming total deductions of 35% of their income, down from 37% previously.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Some lawmakers think the staff reductions are hampering farmers’ ability to access programs.—
Patricia Kime,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
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That this goes ignored at the expense of flight reductions, flight delays and passenger safety is egregious.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtractions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtractions. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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