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.
The new Matlock was created by Urman, a Jane the Virgin alum whose project captures the essence of Andy Griffith's '80s legal drama while giving it a freshness in tone and subject matter. Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025 The painting provides a sharp juxtaposition to Romney’s more conventional subject matter. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025 But despite the subject matter, what emerges is a life-affirming call from Kiarostami to seize the day. Tiara Ataii, Vulture, 24 June 2025 The biggest challenge of shaving Kanon’s nearly 500-page tome down into a manageable shooting script (the final runtime is just under two hours) was trying to keep the subject matter accessible to a wide demographic. Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subject%20matter. Accessed 21 Jul. 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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