subtract

verb

sub·​tract səb-ˈtrakt 

subtracted; subtracting; subtracts

transitive verb

: to take away by or as if by deducting

subtract 5 from 9

subtract funds from the project

intransitive verb

: to perform a subtraction

subtracter noun

Synonyms

• abate
• deduct
• knock off
• take off

Examples of subtract in a Sentence

if you subtract 10 from 23, you get 13

you can subtract the time you spent daydreaming from your total homework time

Recent Examples on the Web

Because the body doesn't easily digest and absorb fiber or sugar alcohols, they can be subtracted from the food's total carb count. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

The final step of the calculation is subtracting $100 and 10% of your adjusted gross income, or AGI, which is all earnings minus certain tax breaks. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2024

Responding to the Common Council, DPW Director Chris Wilburn said the department requested $1.5 million for 2025 stormwater projects, but instead, Nagila subtracted $1.3 million from his DPW budget item. —Michael McDaniel, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Oct. 2024

The calculation starts with a very big number (income) and then subtracts another very big number (spending). —Bill Conerly, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin subtractus, past participle of subtrahere to draw from beneath, withdraw, from sub- + trahere to draw

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

subtract

verb

sub·​tract səb-ˈtrakt 

1

: to take away (as one part or number) from another : deduct

subtract 5 from 9

2

: to perform a subtraction