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

The amount used for care is subtracted from the death benefit, which means less money for heirs. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

The taxable income formula subtracts the greater of the standard or itemized deductions from your adjusted gross income. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024

Mersenne’s simple method, which is one of many devised to find primes, is subtracting one from powers of two. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Because the body doesn't easily digest and absorb fiber or sugar alcohols, they can be subtracted from the food's total carb count. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

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

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