subject 1 of 3

Definition of subjectnext
1
2
as in citizen
a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it because of the tense situation in that country, British subjects were advised to return home as soon as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing he has no subject to protest this time, but that's never stopped him before

Synonyms & Similar Words

subject

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verb

subject

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word subject distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and national are common synonyms of subject. While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch.

the king's subjects

When would citizen be a good substitute for subject?

In some situations, the words citizen and subject are roughly equivalent. However, citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people.

the rights of a free citizen

When is national a more appropriate choice than subject?

The synonyms national and subject are sometimes interchangeable, but national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state.

American nationals working in the Middle East

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subject
Noun
These subjects—many of them now under attack by Trumpist censors—have greatly enriched our understanding of the United States. David W. Blight, The New York Review of Books, 23 May 2026 Why isn't that a subject in school? Steve Hartman, CBS News, 23 May 2026
Verb
Pennsylvania subjected everything she was left to inheritance tax at the state’s top 15% rate. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 Last week, a judge approved a $50 million settlement in a 2022 lawsuit accusing Google of paying Black workers lower wages, denying them advancement opportunities and subjecting them to a hostile work environment. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
Sony has a slight lead over Canon and Nikon in subject recognition and tracking autofocus, and extends it a teensy bit with the a7R VI. Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026 For professionals and subject-matter experts, this can mean the difference between not getting any readers and growing significantly. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject
Noun
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2026
  • At one point, Catherine and I landed on the topic of smugness as an obstacle to creativity.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • The conflict in the Middle East has affected India’s economy, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging citizens to curb overseas travel, save fuel — and even pause buying gold.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 28 May 2026
  • Yoxall is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta and of Métis and settler parentage.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • There is no good reason for what just happened over the past six days.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
  • At this point the Red Sox are in serious danger, and the only reason the club is even within striking distance of a playoff spot is because the rest of the American League has been so poor.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • This should prevent one hummer from dominating all feeders.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
  • Of course, there is the matter of Atlantis, the mega resort that dominates the island with a water park, shopping, an aquarium, and a casino.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Restaurants and neighborhoods can feel more local, especially outside the most tourism-dependent islands and resorts.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
  • At the same time, rich countries took steps to become less dependent on oil; while soaring prices encouraged new exploration, from Alaska to the North Sea, and the Soviet Union became a major producer.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • That those were the only victories in the team’s last 23 league games of this season will be a concern for the next manager to address, but domestic matters had in effect taken a backseat once Premier League status was assured.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • In mid-February, the family and police agreed to dismiss the matter against the father, and the emergency order to take the guns from the father was dissolved.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Tether operates as an offshore company, its issuance does not depend on the US banking system in the way USAT's does, and the bulk of its users are foreign nationals beyond the practical reach of US consumer regulation.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • Viano aims to land a coach by the time summer nationals in Oregon start at the end of June.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Lush grounds, multiple saltwater swimming pools, a serene spa, wonderful on-property dining, and spacious guestrooms and suites make this an all-around great pick for travelers seeking a resort-style hotel that blends playful design with Western comfort and plenty of amenities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
  • In video of the moment later posted on Tsirkin’s Instagram, she can be seen looking confused while standing on the White House grounds, as the gunshots can be heard going off in the background.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Subject.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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