as in topic
the information or ideas that are discussed or dealt with in a book, movie, etc.; what something is about
I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. The magazine's editors care more about style than about subject matter. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 matter
To start, players are given 16 words that must be grouped into categories based on a common subject matter.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
As a kid at school, I was given the same books, the same subject matter, and the same opportunities as everyone else.
—Sam Ouk, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Mahler-Werfel was intimately involved in these projects and in some instances proposed their subject matter.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
This is not the content or subject matter that our children need to be exposed to.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
As a kid at school, I was given the same books, the same subject matter, and the same opportunities as everyone else.
—Sam Ouk, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Mahler-Werfel was intimately involved in these projects and in some instances proposed their subject matter.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
This is not the content or subject matter that our children need to be exposed to.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
-
Many have struggled with the ethical conundrum and the whole mind-bending shenanigan is undoubtedly going to remain a morally thorny topic for eons to come.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press.—
Brendel Hightower,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Katz will focus on strategy across numerous sectors including tech, sports, production, and content.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Update to the latest version to see all Vogue content, as well as new features like our Runway Genius quiz, Group Chats, and posts from Vogue contributors.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While both puzzles are word-based, Connections challenges users to find common themes in a set of words.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Stars leaned into the old-school Hollywood glamor theme, and looked to legends of the hair and makeup world for help.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
So, instead of collecting neural metrics at the individual level, ISC identifies common effects seen in the brains of multiple subjects.—
Paul McClure
February 16,
New Atlas,
16 Feb. 2025
-
How to Enhance Positive Feelings with Food The association between negative feelings and food has been the subject of much study — including feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.—
Allison Futterman,
Discover Magazine,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
According to the house, each motif on the dress took 3.5 hours to embroider.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Much of her inspiration comes from French impressionist paintings and her motifs, materials and techniques combine western and eastern influences.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Deputies are investigating the shooting and working to determine a possible motive.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Police haven’t yet given a motive or made any connection between the stabbing and the Holocaust memorial, known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, or the U.S. Embassy located nearby.—
Brie Stimson,
Fox News,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The crucial difference from last season is his belief in his own abilities to alter events to his own purposes.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Kennedy also claimed the reason the children were hospitalized was for quarantine purposes.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Giannetti is said to have taken the matter seriously and relayed Lively’s concerns to Wayfarer.—
Pamela McClintock,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share