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.
There followed a few weeks of dancing around the topic, before Rodri went to Barcelona and City had a more pressing need for a senior midfielder. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The viral moment became a topic of conversation for weeks after the show wrapped, with Rausch also gifting her a Birkin Bag as an apology for betraying her on the show. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 Their ideas on topics from education to energy could shape our democracy and even influence today’s decision makers. — Usa Today Network Staff Reports, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Her comments on the topic welded AI onto the broader philosophy of school choice. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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