topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtä-pik How to pronounce topic (audio)
Synonyms of topicnext
1
a
: the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse
b
: a heading in an outlined argument or exposition
2
a
: argument, reason
b
: one of the general forms of argument employed in probable reasoning

Synonyms of topic

Relevance
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Examples of topic in a Sentence

He is comfortable discussing a wide range of topics. topics such as health and fitness
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.
Last week, when Ocasio-Cortez made three campaign stops for Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, neither Democrat — and no audience members — brought up the topic of Gaza. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026 The topic has become a major issue in midterm races, showcasing just how concerned the public is about the Southwest's water future. — Hannah Knowles The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026 Because whenever the topic of Orange County’s ever-filling green spring of bed-tax money is discussed, shenanigans seem to proliferate. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 The extension can now also send messages, download files, or group your open tabs by topic. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for topic

Word History

Etymology

Latin Topica Topics (work by Aristotle), from Greek Topika, from topika, neuter plural of topikos of a place, of a topos, from topos place, topos

First Known Use

circa 1569, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of topic was circa 1569

Phrases Containing topic

Rhymes for topic

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Browse Nearby Words

topiary
topic
topical
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Cite this Entry

“Topic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

topic

noun
top·​ic ˈtäp-ik How to pronounce topic (audio)
1
: a heading in an outline of a subject or explanation
2
: the subject or a section of a subject (as of a speech or a report)
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