SUBJECT MATTER Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

subject matter

noun

Definition of subject matter

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 Despite the dark subject matter, Furious manages to be both tender and funny, thanks to sharp writing and fluid performances. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026 Officials said the school also improved its graduation rate from 75% to 95% and its faculty saw in the number holding the proper credentials — from 43 to more than 90 who have the correct subject matter licenses. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Women like Jett sang about something other than romantic love, the perennial subject matter for female singers up to that point. — Lisa Whittington-Hill, Longreads, 27 Aug. 2026 Its subject, Mica, is especially lovely, which makes its subject matter — her death — especially disturbing. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject 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

Elektra was previously the editor-in-chief at Selfridges, looking after content and editorial, and has held senior roles at i-D and Vice.

— Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Most people assume that the only way to really appreciate a show is to immerse yourself in the hours and hours and hours of content and scour the comments of every Love Island cast member’s socials to figure out who’s following whom.

— Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of content

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

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

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of subject matter

noun

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