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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.

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

"It was the subject matter and feeling the importance of telling the story and telling the story in America in 2026," DiDonato told AFP ahead of the premiere.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

But what makes “The Drama” daring isn’t just its subject matter.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

I mean, “Marie Prevost,” “Little Hitler” and other quirky subject matter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

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