subject matter

noun

: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

Examples of subject matter in a Sentence

I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In 2020, the Trump administration pressured the CDC to invoke Title 42, despite opposition from subject matter experts at the agency who believed the move was not rooted in public health and was instead a way for officials to further President Trump's immigration crackdown. Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2025 To prepare, CSOs should study the subject matter, master the lexicon and learn by doing. Beena Ammanath, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 The documentary’s scope is as expansive as its subject matter, promising to examine Yoruba music’s evolution across generations and its influence on Afrobeats. Jem Aswad, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025 There is a heaviness to the proceedings, which makes sense in regards to the subject matter here and also typically works in favor of a thriller, but some of the super-seriousness built into this show backfires. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subject matter was in 1657

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Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subject%20matter. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

subject matter

noun
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study
the poem's subject matter

More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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