subtract

verb

sub·​tract səb-ˈtrakt 

subtracted; subtracting; subtracts

transitive verb

: to take away by or as if by deducting

subtract 5 from 9

subtract funds from the project

intransitive verb

: to perform a subtraction

subtracter noun

Synonyms

• abate
• deduct
• knock off
• take off

Examples of subtract in a Sentence

if you subtract 10 from 23, you get 13

you can subtract the time you spent daydreaming from your total homework time

Recent Examples on the Web

When the losses exceed the gains, then up to $3,000 of capital losses can be subtracted against your other income. —Bob Carlson, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

That’s not too bad given that the club subtracted the straw that stirs the drink for them in five-on-four. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025

Your maximum heart rate can be calculated by subtracting your age in years from the number 220. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025

Hackman rarely changed his appearance beyond adding or subtracting glasses or facial hair. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin subtractus, past participle of subtrahere to draw from beneath, withdraw, from sub- + trahere to draw

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for subtract

• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• detract
• distract
• enact
• exact
• extract
• hijacked
• impact

Kids Definition

subtract

verb

sub·​tract səb-ˈtrakt 

1

: to take away (as one part or number) from another : deduct

subtract 5 from 9

2

: to perform a subtraction