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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Recent Examples of subject matter
When Southern Living sat down with the trio recently, Hynes shared that the subject matter of this particular movie was very intentional.
—
Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
Since its inception, EIS has prioritized hands-on training in which officers, over their two-year journey, work alongside subject matter experts from CDC, state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments to lead investigations of diseases and outbreaks.
—Matthew Donahue, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
In a statement provided to the press, Robin explained his personal connection to the subject matter that stemmed from his childhood in Florida.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
What’s less known is that all three drew deeply on Lewis and Clark for inspiration, for subject matter, and for research.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
Since its inception, EIS has prioritized hands-on training in which officers, over their two-year journey, work alongside subject matter experts from CDC, state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments to lead investigations of diseases and outbreaks.
—Matthew Donahue, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
In a statement provided to the press, Robin explained his personal connection to the subject matter that stemmed from his childhood in Florida.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
What’s less known is that all three drew deeply on Lewis and Clark for inspiration, for subject matter, and for research.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
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But topics also veer off to the mundane.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Matt Parrott,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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With that, Burch invited Wintour, her longtime friend, the chief content officer of Condé Nast, and Vogue’s global editorial director, to accept her award.—
Jenna Adrian-Diaz,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There will be a view of the river from the commons and interior wall graphics will illustrate the theme of the design, which incorporates the concepts of earth, air, water and fire.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Speed and trust were themes echoed by executives around the table.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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With the third-year pro also coming off a subpar 2025 campaign, Wells’ offensive capabilities have been the subject of questioning in recent weeks and months.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
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But then Johnson pivoted to corruption, a touchy subject in Mexico.—
Steve Fisher,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Fruit motifs are a bright and cheerful way to add a little retro charm to a tablescape or bar cart.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
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Dragons, representing sacred authority, were a motif also reserved just for the ruling classes.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Prosecutors hadn’t even offered a motive to connect him to the shooting.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
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The motive remains unclear, though state media reported the man left documents behind at the courthouse outlining his grievances.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that a major purpose of the federal law is to provide uniformity.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Here, sheep can’t solve crimes until human incompetence forces them to step into the breach; though pushed for the purposes of fantasy, the limits of animal intelligence are a poignant factor in the tale.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As her anxiety rises, sticking to the essentials has become a matter of financial survival, Rosado said.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Given the importance of preserving relations with the FCC, which has a say over a range of local station matters and must approve any mergers involving the transfer of broadcast licenses, LeGeyt has deliberately avoided a direct clash with his Washington counterpart.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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