as in topic
the information or ideas that are discussed or dealt with in a book, movie, etc.; what something is about
I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. The magazine's editors care more about style than about subject matter. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subject matter
The film received widespread acclaim for its LGBTQ representation, archival footage and subject matter, leading to many festival awards and three Oscar nominations.
—
Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 21 May 2025
Lawrence — mother to two children now — was visibly emotional talking about working with Ramsay on the subject matter.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
What’s even more remarkable is that Victor (who uses they/she pronouns) landed such a lucrative indie distribution deal for a film revolving around very serious subject matter.
—Gregg Goldstein, Variety, 17 May 2025
Like many Black artists, Bibbs chose his subject matter out of necessity.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 21 May 2025
Lawrence — mother to two children now — was visibly emotional talking about working with Ramsay on the subject matter.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
What’s even more remarkable is that Victor (who uses they/she pronouns) landed such a lucrative indie distribution deal for a film revolving around very serious subject matter.
—Gregg Goldstein, Variety, 17 May 2025
Like many Black artists, Bibbs chose his subject matter out of necessity.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subject matter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject matter
Noun
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Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.—
Kevinisha Walker,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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And then there’s the controversial topic of Oak Terrace’s reputation, which was raised during Soltero’s review.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2025
Noun
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The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
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Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
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But The Slip is also exploring larger themes about the confounding nature of race in America and the human urge to slide into another identity.—
Book Marks
June 5,
Literary Hub,
5 June 2025
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The film's themes of corruption and the brave whistleblowers who expose it feel particularly apt in this current moment.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Director: Jackie Jesko The Hook: An unvarnished look at the barrier-breaking journalist who interviewed everyone from the Kardashians to Castro, disarming her subjects with her charm before asking penetrating questions that were shocking in their directness (see this sit-down with Courtney Love).—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
4 June 2025
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Both Abarca and the young child remain the subjects of active missing persons investigations by the Shawnee Police Department as of Wednesday.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Johnson makes paintings and mosaics on square white tiles—often incorporating the material of one of Johnson’s favorite motifs, shea butter, the hearty soul food of moisturizing agents.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
30 May 2025
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Breton stripes, fisherman sandals, shell motifs—anything that could remind you of the ocean is very much in play, and plenty of it is currently on sale at Nordstrom.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Authorities are still working to figure out a motive for the five musicians’ killings, according to the AP and BBC.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
30 May 2025
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Other motives may include growing followers, harvesting affirmation and deliberately sowing confusion.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
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These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
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They were raised during the internet boom, financial decentralization, and the notion that digital identity and ownership matter.—
Chrissa McFarlane,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Others, meanwhile, said family matters should be left for behind closed doors and not for public shaming.—
Stephanie Guerilus,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject%20matter. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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