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 Though Gibson’s early subject matter often centered around birds, his work in later years shifted focus to mythology, which became more prominent in the following decade. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Leading up to the release, there was a lot of reporting about the original third act, which dealt with some sensitive subject matter. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 Knowing that before an executive steps behind a podium is part of understanding the audience, just as knowing the technical subject matter is, too. — Amanda Simonian, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The conservative commentator argued that treating movies differently because of their subject matter infringed on filmmakers’ constitutional rights. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 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
  • When the Milwaukee Brewers won their first-ever Fall Classic, the Yankees continued to be a topic of conversation.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Dartmouth touts itself as the birthplace of AI, saying the field got its start at the school in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1956 when a small group of scientists gathered for a summer research project on the topic.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Meanwhile, On and Dior have also reportedly removed Chinese promotional content featuring Mbappé, although neither had announced a global termination, according to Chinese news outlet Phoenix.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson will lead the company’s podcast content acquisitions on a contract basis.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of content
Noun
  • Ultimately, what is driving all of these things is the theme and the emotion underneath it, and that is the thing that everything else needs to spiral out of.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The packaging hits on early internet-era themes as well, with a graphic of a pink Nokia-style phone on the box, for all your Paris Hilton-paparazzi-picture needs.
    — Madison Collins, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of theme
Noun
  • The comedian on being the subject of a Judd Apatow documentary, her passion for open-book accounting, and dating in her fifties.
    — Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • But filmmakers sometimes lean too far in the direction of our film subjects.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of subject
Noun
  • Embroidered placemats and napkins bear playful scalloped edges and foliate motifs.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Elsewhere, the house’s knot motif takes center stage across a series of statement-making jewels, each worthy of a spot under the tree.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack; the attackers’ motive remained unknown.
    — Omar Akour, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Detectives are working to determine a motive and identify the shooter.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • Its purpose is to help eliminate malignant cells that may remain after surgery, reducing the chance of another tumor taking hold.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The decor nods to her career without losing sight of the hotel’s purpose as a place to unwind after a day exploring Music City.
    — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Beyond criminal matters, the office is involved in other efforts.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But victory is far from assured, and the polling numbers – which can be inaccurate – matter less than Israel’s coalition arithmetic.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of matter

Browse Nearby Words

subjectivity
subject matter
subject matters
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Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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