subject matter

noun

: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

Examples of subject matter in a Sentence

I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the film, created by a collective of Israeli and Palestinian activists, never secured a distribution partner in the U.S., perhaps owing to its subject matter. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2025 Weighty — and scary — subject matter for a tween, Blair got the role of Regan with just a couple of prior credits under her belt. Diana Pearl, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025 So often, a film that’s lighter in subject matter will feel like a welcome relief. Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025 Upcoming German series previewed at the EFM’s Berlinale Series Market on Tuesday offered a range of genres and challenging subject matter, from Nazi drug runners and quirky fantasy to teen angst and alter egos. Ed Meza, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subject matter was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subject%20matter. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

subject matter

noun
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study
the poem's subject matter

More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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