subtraction
noun
sub·trac·tion
səb-ˈtrak-shən 
: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting: such as
a
: the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled
b
: the operation of deducting one number from another
Examples of subtraction in a Sentence
The children are learning addition and subtraction.
the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order
Recent Examples on the Web
And on and on, additions, subtractions.
—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
One subtraction, three dimensions.
—
Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
How to do it in 60 seconds Mental subtraction doesn't require an app, journal, or a special setting—just one minute and a little imagination.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
23 June 2026
The Administration’s strategy seems to hinge on a fantasy of radical subtraction—removing people who would dilute the country’s white majority.
—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
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Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
One subtraction, three dimensions.
—
Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
How to do it in 60 seconds Mental subtraction doesn't require an app, journal, or a special setting—just one minute and a little imagination.
—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
23 June 2026
The Administration’s strategy seems to hinge on a fantasy of radical subtraction—removing people who would dilute the country’s white majority.
—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
Cite this Entry
“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subtraction
noun
sub·trac·tion
səb-ˈtrak-shən
1
: an act or instance of subtracting
2
: the operation of deducting one number from another
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