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
The math of good floods: subtraction Another way that good floods can reduce the risk of bad floods is quite simple: intentional flooding in one place subtracts from the volume of floodwaters that can threaten other places.
—
Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The art of subtraction is about isolating that piece to identify what truly brings you satisfaction.
—Dr. Jordan Grumet, Contributor, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
The club’s roster is also undergoing changes, with a notable subtraction being Jen Beattie, who retired after an 18-year pro career.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
Too many scenes are sweetened with lousy ADR gags, a real case of subtraction by addition.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
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Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
The art of subtraction is about isolating that piece to identify what truly brings you satisfaction.
—Dr. Jordan Grumet, Contributor, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
The club’s roster is also undergoing changes, with a notable subtraction being Jen Beattie, who retired after an 18-year pro career.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
Too many scenes are sweetened with lousy ADR gags, a real case of subtraction by addition.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
Cite this Entry
“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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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