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

Here are some of the Chiefs’ previous notable additions (and subtractions): • The Chiefs agreed to a contract with former 49ers left tackle Jaylon Moore, according to Schefter. —Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2025

With the last-minute subtractions from the card, UFC 313 was left with just 10 fights. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

And his looming cut should be considered a bit of addition by subtraction. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025

The math of good floods: subtraction Another way that good floods can reduce the risk of bad floods is quite simple: intentional flooding in one place subtracts from the volume of floodwaters that can threaten other places. —Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 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