subject matters

noun

plural of subject matter
as in topics
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 matters The lawsuit spotlights ongoing industry concerns about the mental health of crew and producers, including those working on documentaries dealing with traumatic subject matters. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 July 2026 Special sessions are called by the governor or by a petition of three-fifths of the members of both the state House and Senate and are limited to specific subject matters. — Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 17 June 2026 The ability to read and comprehend is a foundational skill without which students are doomed to fail in mathematics and other subject matters. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026 Certified teachers will provide small group tutoring assistance for all subject matters for students in second through eighth grade. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 Her subject matters have always been serious, but the artist has struggled with how the art institutions responded to her work. — Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 But the District works very hard to produce a curriculum that is focused on the tools that will best expand our students' understanding of subject matters. — Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matters
  1. topics
  2. contents
  3. themes
  4. motifs
  5. motives
  6. subjects
  7. purposes
  8. matters
Noun
  • On the first night of training camp, the Rams’ defensive line coach sat down with each of his charges individually and, among other topics, talked about Aaron Donald.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Brendel Clark writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press.
    — Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of topics
Noun
  • Scientists use this technique, called candling — which historically entailed holding up a burning candle — to assess the contents of shark eggs for health, viability and genetic diversity.
    — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This way auditors, regulators, and even customers can confirm a record is genuine without seeing its contents.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of contents
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 themes
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
  • Alternatively, the sleek lines could fit in living spaces with Art Deco motifs and could play nice with other metal finishes.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of motifs
Noun
  • If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Then Front Office Sports wants documentation, competing sources and a discussion about our motives.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of motives
Noun
  • Meghna Gulzar has a very distinctive voice and an ability to approach difficult subjects with both restraint and intensity.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But the Duffys simply are not forthright or interesting enough to be compelling subjects.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of subjects
Noun
  • By the end of Saturday night, the sanctuary had served two purposes at once.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The other scan—the spatial scan—employs a less powerful instrument called an Xgrid Portalcam, and serves several different purposes.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of purposes
Noun
  • The Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Canada’s Competition Bureau have worked together for decades on cross-border antitrust matters, including merger reviews and investigations into potential anticompetitive conduct.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026
  • This combination matters when electronics need to communicate with biological systems.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of matters

Browse Nearby Words

subject matter
subject matters
subjects
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Cite this Entry

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

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