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 Red Sox seemed to have achieved some addition by subtraction by dealing franchise slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants several weeks ago.
—
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
As Heritage Board Chairman Barb Gaby and President Kevin Roberts wrote in their note to staff, alumni, and the many friends gained over the past 52 years:
Ed believed in addition, not subtraction.
—Bridget Weisenburger, National Review, 25 July 2025
To a Washington bean counter, his loss might have looked like one tiny but welcome subtraction in a giant spreadsheet, but not in a region so prone to these perilous events that it’s known as Flash Flood Alley.
—Zeynep Tufekci, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Here's a look at all the additions to (and one subtraction from) the Greater Cincinnati concert calendar this week.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
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Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
As Heritage Board Chairman Barb Gaby and President Kevin Roberts wrote in their note to staff, alumni, and the many friends gained over the past 52 years:
Ed believed in addition, not subtraction.
—Bridget Weisenburger, National Review, 25 July 2025
To a Washington bean counter, his loss might have looked like one tiny but welcome subtraction in a giant spreadsheet, but not in a region so prone to these perilous events that it’s known as Flash Flood Alley.
—Zeynep Tufekci, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Here's a look at all the additions to (and one subtraction from) the Greater Cincinnati concert calendar this week.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtraction
Cite this Entry
“Subtraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtraction. Accessed 4 Aug. 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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