subtraction
noun
sub·trac·tion
səb-ˈtrak-shən 
: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as
a
: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled
b
: the operation of deducting one number from another
Examples of subtraction in a Sentence
The children are learning addition and subtraction.
the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order
Recent Examples on the Web
But there is a lot more to this argument than simple addition and subtraction.
—
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
It’s been all about roster subtraction, and Briere methodically has been dealing current pieces for future assets since he was put in place.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
This process of subtraction can be illustrated in regions across the world.
—Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Here are some of the Chiefs’ previous notable additions (and subtractions):
• The Chiefs agreed to a contract with former 49ers left tackle Jaylon Moore, according to Schefter.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
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Tobias Burns, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
It’s been all about roster subtraction, and Briere methodically has been dealing current pieces for future assets since he was put in place.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
This process of subtraction can be illustrated in regions across the world.
—Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Here are some of the Chiefs’ previous notable additions (and subtractions):
• The Chiefs agreed to a contract with former 49ers left tackle Jaylon Moore, according to Schefter.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
Cite this Entry
“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subtraction
noun
sub·trac·tion
səb-ˈtrak-shən
1
: an act or instance of subtracting
2
: the operation of deducting one number from another
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