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
However, any hopes of escaping her dark subject matter — and spending her time befriending the local PTA moms — are halted when a serial killer infiltrates the community.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025
The hearings drew respectful coverage in mainstream media outlets despite being subject matter that was considered kook bait when Stratton was growing up in the ’70s.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
Eliza allows employees to build AI agents such as chatbots that offer niche subject matter expertise on areas like compliance, as well as more advanced reasoning tasks.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 26 June 2025
There’s always a little colored sarcasm in our music, there’s a little tongue-in-cheek, but then there is always some really deep meaningful subject matter on our records, too.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 June 2025
The hearings drew respectful coverage in mainstream media outlets despite being subject matter that was considered kook bait when Stratton was growing up in the ’70s.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
Eliza allows employees to build AI agents such as chatbots that offer niche subject matter expertise on areas like compliance, as well as more advanced reasoning tasks.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 26 June 2025
There’s always a little colored sarcasm in our music, there’s a little tongue-in-cheek, but then there is always some really deep meaningful subject matter on our records, too.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
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Bronin’s brains have been one of the most commented upon topic of politics in the past year.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
19 July 2025
-
Let your personality shine across topics Don’t worry about hopping the boundaries of your niche.—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
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The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 July 2025
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Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Swag — available to stream now on Spotify and Apple Music — features guest spots from Gunna, Sexxy Red, Cash Cobain, Lil B, Eddie Benjamin and more.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Expert event planner and hostess, Brittney Winbush, encourages us not to shy away from a good theme.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
11 July 2025
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Rates have been a theme for institutions going back to about April 17.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Nonetheless, my hopeful response to my own question is that the transformed form of nature can also be the subject of humanity’s unconditional love.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
10 July 2025
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The Enquirer also confirmed Watts is now the subject of a Kentucky Department of Education investigation, though the nature of any complaints filed against him is unclear.—
Annie Goldman,
The Enquirer,
10 July 2025
Noun
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The lounge area gets a stylish refresh, with the House’s iconic Web and Interlocking G motifs splashed in a breezy, seasonal palette.—
Erica Wertheim Zohar,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Related: The Newest Hotel in Osaka, Japan, Is in One of the City's Most Impressive Buildings, With an On-site Onsen and an 11-acre Park Next Door There are subtle peacock-tail motifs throughout the hotel, from the kumiko woodwork headboards to the washi paper in the elevator.—
Amber Gibson,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Elizabeth Warren questioned the motives behind CBS’ decision.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
18 July 2025
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So too does the motive of one person radiate outward, rippling in a space of sociopolitical relevance.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 July 2025
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In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 July 2025
Noun
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The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and will have additional details to share very shortly.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
19 July 2025
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The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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