subject matter

noun

Definition of subject matternext
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.

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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 The tan suit gate made major headlines, took over what was formerly Twitter, and sparked backlash from right-wing pundits who deemed it too casual for the subject matter. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Per Page Six, Harry began planning the move after meeting with his father, King Charles, in July (where the subject matter was not discussed). — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026 Sign language becomes cinematic grammar rather than subject matter. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Whether they’re built around apocalyptic beliefs, aliens, religion, or even romance, cults and the people who fall under their spell tend to make for irresistible subject matter. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
  1. topic
  2. content
  3. theme
  4. subject
  5. motif
  6. motive
  7. purpose
  8. matter
Noun
  • Big picture The league and the union are meeting regularly on various topics, but their disagreement on core economics — whether to move to a cap system — leaves little room for progress on the major issues.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Journalists working on environmental topics in sub-Saharan Africa are coming under attack, a new report found.
    — Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Meet the Cast The PEOPLE staffers competing in People’s Next Red Carpet Reporter come from across all of our content buckets.
    — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In real estate, Simplicity aids agents in the automation of property research, comparative market analysis, marketing, content generation, client communications, listing preparation and transaction support all within a single AI experience.
    — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of content
Noun
  • Here’s a look at the most important details and themes from the cutdown to 53.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This seamless blend of Lego bricks and themes is just perfect, without making a mockery of the wider idea.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of theme
Noun
  • But the only clinical trial data that Dyson has been able to provide to Allure is a four-week study of 60 subjects, comparing the results of a manual toothbrush and a CameraJet.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Too invested in protecting its models and fitting in, the Establishment had unfairly treated exciting subjects like cryonics (humans being frozen for future revival) and self-replicating nanomachines.
    — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of subject
Noun
  • The vibrant floral motifs and creamy white hue ooze sophistication, while the dainty size is perfect for carrying your phone, keys, lipstick, and wallet.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Mosaic terrazzo floors with a palm motif are nods to both Tiberius’s villas here and the Ethiopian palm that once stood like an icon outside the hotel, which was felled by a storm in the 1960s.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • In her detective series, under the pen name Amanda Cross, an English professor solves murders whose motives include bad psychoanalysis, student riots, and biographers who know too much for their own good.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Richard Novak, another defense attorney, then argued texts Robinson allegedly sent to Twiggs, discussing a rifle, possible motive and other details on the planning surrounding the event are expected to be key evidence in the state’s case.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • By the end of Saturday night, the sanctuary had served two purposes at once.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Chevy provided The Drive with travel, accommodations, and access to the vehicle for the purpose of writing this review.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Conduct a Soil Test Taking samples of the soil from several places in the lawn will provide information about soil acidity (pH), nutrient levels, and organic matter content.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
  • From obscurity to the top of the football world, all in the matter of a few days.
    — Sam McDowell August 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity
subject matter
subject matters
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subject matter

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