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 The film stays true to its black-comedy genre, given the heavy subject matter, and explores the performative nature of internet culture and male loneliness. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 Others are real but light—a venue, a referral path, a subject matter expert. — Omer Qureshi, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Ultimately, the exhibition repositions fashion as a vital thread within his broader subject matter and an aspect of his work that deserves to be reclaimed. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 Despite their pointy protrusions, the sculptures are not spiky enough to leave a mark; and despite their flirtations with touchy subject matter, none of the works—not even the 9/11 ones—are vulgar enough to get Wolfson in hot water. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter

Noun

Both candidates wove personal attacks and affordability points into questions that a panel of journalists from across the state asked on a variety of topics.

— Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Instead of responding with just text, ChatGPT will now add graphics, tappable buttons, forms, charts, and interactive tools to make complex topics easier to understand.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Audiences are more willing than ever to consume and accept differentiated content – look at the success of phenomena such as Obsession and Backrooms.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
The rooms Rooms are clean and bright, content to sit back, relax, and let the killer oceanfront views do much of the work where possible; first order of business are massive windows and glass doors leading out onto generous balconies.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

Early on, the theme was limited to the back glass of the machine and maybe some of the playfield art.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
The project is predicated on the theme that the title suggests — love of self, love of others, love for her daughter Hazel — while embracing a swath of styles spanning quiet storm to smooth, finger-snapped R&B.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of theme

Noun

Drawn to the tactile and familiar qualities of paper, Teo uses playful forms and visual metaphors to transform everyday subjects and construct whimsical, imagined worlds.

— New York Times Games, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The same is true for Sabonis, who continues to be the subject of trade rumors.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of subject

Noun

Its winding path — and its goose motif — serve as the inspiration for Fortunae, Ginori 1735’s latest collection of collectible porcelain and home decor.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Rooms feature lanais, rattan furniture, and carpeting with bamboo motifs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

In light of that revelation, Faist now sees another possible motive for Cyrus’ treatment of his sons, one driven by hubris and a desire to protect his own fictional legacy.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Police have not commented on a possible motive for Saturday's stabbing, which remains under investigation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of motive

Noun

Other independents in the Senate, including Maine's Angus King on the moderate end and Vermont's Bernie Sanders on the left, caucus with Democrats for organizational purposes and committee assignments.

— NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
These varietals are not only tolerant to the high desert environment, but they were also planted with the sole purpose of conserving water and controlling run-off.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Furnari recalled that some of the song’s early music and lyrics came together quickly, but writing words that could do justice to their experience was another matter.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
This achievement could give scientists a new way to control how light interacts with matter, study extremely fast quantum processes, and eventually distinguish molecules that are mirror images of each other.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of matter

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subjectivity

subject matter

subject matters

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“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subject matter

noun

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