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

If losses exceed capital gains, investors can subtract up to $3,000 a year from ordinary income. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

After subtracting the approximately two dozen Strykers the Ukrainians have lost to Russian fire, the additional vehicles will grow the Ukrainian Stryker inventory to nearly 400. —David Axe, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Revisions to payrolls numbers subtracted 112,000 positions from August and September job growth. —Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

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