subject 1 of 3

Definition of subjectnext
1
2
as in citizen
a person who owes allegiance to a government and is protected by it because of the tense situation in that country, British subjects were advised to return home as soon as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing he has no subject to protest this time, but that's never stopped him before

Synonyms & Similar Words

subject

2 of 3

verb

subject

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word subject distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and national are common synonyms of subject. While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch.

the king's subjects

When would citizen be a good substitute for subject?

In some situations, the words citizen and subject are roughly equivalent. However, citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people.

the rights of a free citizen

When is national a more appropriate choice than subject?

The synonyms national and subject are sometimes interchangeable, but national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state.

American nationals working in the Middle East

How is the word subject distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and national are common synonyms of subject. While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch.

the king's subjects

When would citizen be a good substitute for subject?

In some situations, the words citizen and subject are roughly equivalent. However, citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people.

the rights of a free citizen

When is national a more appropriate choice than subject?

The synonyms national and subject are sometimes interchangeable, but national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state.

American nationals working in the Middle East

How is the word subject distinct from other similar nouns?

The words citizen and national are common synonyms of subject. While all three words mean "a person owing allegiance to and entitled to the protection of a sovereign state," subject implies allegiance to a personal sovereign such as a monarch.

the king's subjects

When would citizen be a good substitute for subject?

In some situations, the words citizen and subject are roughly equivalent. However, citizen is preferred for one owing allegiance to a state in which sovereign power is retained by the people and sharing in the political rights of those people.

the rights of a free citizen

When is national a more appropriate choice than subject?

The synonyms national and subject are sometimes interchangeable, but national designates one who may claim the protection of a state and applies especially to one living or traveling outside that state.

American nationals working in the Middle East

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of subject
Noun
Ozirna’s debut feature, which is having its Swiss premiere at FIFF, takes an intimate approach to a subject that has often been documented through frontline footage and reporting. Essie Assibu, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026 After a lengthy discussion, hearing officer Antoinette Gibbs approved a project at 1720 Torrey Pines Road that was the subject of a code enforcement complaint. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Department of Justice and the Treasury subjected the question of whether the change could be made without congressional action to their gimlet-eyed scrutiny, and turned thumbs-down. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026 Olivera also alleged that Mustafa subjected her to ongoing harassment through social media, emphasizing that the situation left her concerned for her safety and her child’s well-being. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Even areas not under the Blizzard Warning will be subject blowing snow and reduced visibility. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026 Elementary and middle school teachers can hold multi-subject credentials, but high school teachers must be credentialed in specific subjects. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subject
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject
Noun
  • Choose a single topic or hobby to explore, then map a simple schedule for research or practice.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Research and polling suggests Latino voters prioritize cost-of-living issues — such as housing, wages and inflation — over immigration, a topic often emphasized in national messaging.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With some non-citizens no longer eligible for Cal Fresh benefits, Orange County food banks are bracing for an influx of clients.
    Michele Gile, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Cook Islands is a self-governing country with a 60-year free association relationship to New Zealand, which means it’s defended by New Zealand’s military, and citizens can live and work freely in New Zealand.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • New romance is a reason to celebrate!
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The future of legal sports betting States that have not yet legalized sports betting may still see similar trends in financial insecurity for reasons beyond spillover effects.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • While there’s little need to leave for dining, with the three on-site options easily dominating a weekend stay, nearby venues like Locanda Verde and Cafe Atelier could easily sub for the room service and free in-room Nespresso machines.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Posing in a new campaign for Miu Miu's 2026 leather goods, Hadid complemented her playful new pixie with bright, block colors that also echoed the primary hues that dominated 1960s fashion and film.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Whether or not a school-age child spends their school day on a screen shouldn’t be dependent on where mom or dad can find a job.
    Abby McCloskey, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Each setting gave her a clearer view of where mental health systems were failing the people most dependent on them.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The bank is not affiliated with the foundation and consultants are not used for labor matters regarding employees, according to Wells Fargo.
    Chase Jordan April 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Southlake megachurch and its attorneys want to use someone from the American Arbitration Association or a district judge to settle the matter.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The six people on the plane were Mexican nationals — a mother, daughter and four crew members.
    Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • On average, youth nationals include 50 to 100 participants, while local meets typically feature 10 to 20.
    Francie Ebert, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Because she was not permitted on school grounds and not authorized to take the student off school property, she was charged with felony kidnapping.
    Logan Smith, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Trains, buses and the Metrorail will drop fans off at the Miami Intermodal Center, which is adjacent to Miami International Airport and across the street from the stadium grounds.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Subject.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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