subtopic

noun

sub·​top·​ic ˈsəb-ˌtä-pik 

variants or sub-topic

plural subtopics or sub-topics

: a topic that is part of a broader or more general topic

… each topic branches off into subtopics. For example, within the Asia area you may find separate discussion threads about Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Bali.

—John Eckhouse

Examples of subtopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The supporting child pieces each target specific subtopics that contribute to solving the main issue. —Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

This framework resembles a bicycle wheel and essentially has a main topic as the wheel’s center and various relevant subtopics as the spokes. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

Give your subtopics their own subtopics, digging deep into the depths of the idea itself and producing a veritable spider web of bubbles and creativity. —Sam Adeyemi, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Professors could also develop topical seminars meant to discuss the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and subtopics in international affairs, such as how identity can underlie violent conflict. —Carla Koppell, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2021

Now expand on this idea by drawing lines for each subtopic, being sure to connect every line back to the central idea. —Sam Adeyemi, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

The studio will cover timely subtopics across branding, storytelling, audience engagement, innovation and more. —William Earl, Variety, 2 Oct. 2024

More broadly, data science is not a subtopic of AI—a common claim originating from confusion on boundaries. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 17 July 2023

Break apart your main article into distinct sections and tackle writing one subtopic at a time. —Peter Boyd, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtopic

• anthropic
• atopic
• ectopic
• entropic
• myopic
• adrenocorticotropic
• anisotropic
• gonadotropic
• heterotopic
• kaleidoscopic
• ophthalmoscopic
• stereoscopic

Kids Definition

subtopic

noun

sub·​top·​ic

ˈsəb-ˌtäp-ik

: a topic (as in a composition) that is a division of a main topic