subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən 

: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as

a

: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled

b

: the operation of deducting one number from another

Synonyms

• deduction

Examples of subtraction in a Sentence

The children are learning addition and subtraction.

the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order

Recent Examples on the Web

Biggest addition by subtraction in baseball history. —Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Now, any significant late additions will likely come with a significant subtraction. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

More additions and/or subtractions could be made, especially when the transfer portal opens again in April. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025

Listen to this article After years of fits and starts, a study which will help the Chicago Police Department determine which neighborhoods see additions or subtractions in officer deployment is at last in development. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtraction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Kids Definition

subtraction

noun

sub·​trac·​tion səb-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: an act or instance of subtracting

2

: the operation of deducting one number from another