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Synonyms

subject matter

American  

noun

  1. the substance of a discussion, book, writing, etc., as distinguished from its form or style.

  2. the matter that is subject to some action.

  3. the matter out of which a thing is formed.

subject matter British  

noun

  1. the substance or main theme of a book, discussion, debate, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of subject matter

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pakistan has formulated a team of subject matter specialists to facilitate the two sides in negotiations on navigation, nuclear and other key matters, a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

The price surprised even people involved in the film, who thought its dark subject matter would be a hurdle for audiences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The twist is not Emma’s confession itself, but how the film contends with its dark, exquisitely nuanced subject matter in a way that is completely different from its contemporaries.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

"I was aware of the good and positivity that can come from opening up about this subject matter that's so difficult to talk about."

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Have the objectives evolved since the last time the students engaged with this subject matter?

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.