subject 1 of 4

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 4

verb

subject

3 of 4

adjective

subjection

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noun (2)

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
Edward Keegan writes, broadcasts and teaches on architectural subjects. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 Chicken nuggets sold under Walmart’s store brand were the subject of a public health alert after a state agency found unsafe levels of lead. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 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
Noun
As the man brawls with his in-laws, the boy is caught between two worlds, of male rage and female subjection. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026 Miners argue increased subjection to the dust has led to an eruption of black lung, an incurable disease associated with inhaling the particles. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subject
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subject
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
Verb
  • Betts subdued the momentum with a block on Booker’s layup attempt with 20 seconds left, and Rice then made two free throws, sending Close’s crew into the title game.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • There, the pioneers—practical, inventive, restless, exuberant white men—clashed with Indigenous peoples, subduing them and a wilderness filled with wild animals and abundant natural resources.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If your plant isn’t dormant at the time of repotting, take extra care with the roots, says Estrada, gently loosening any bound root balls when necessary.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The Dodgers’ split-squad group that journeyed the 14 miles from Glendale (and ultimately lost to Texas, 7-6) was largely a skeleton crew of Triple-A bound prospects and wannabes.
    Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Over the centuries, it would be conquered by empires of varying beliefs.
    Seth Doane, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Discipline, toughness, perfect technique, a nutty compulsion to conquer the world’s most inhospitable bodies of water?
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Other places had other forms of unfree or bonded labor.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Until a few years ago, millions of Iranians repeatedly voted in the country’s mostly unfree elections, hoping that regime insiders could pave a path for reform.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Bane overcame a slow start by making six of his first seven attempts at the free-throw line to reach 10 points after two quarters.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The Leafs overcame a 3-1 deficit with three goals in the third period, including Rielly's snap shot from the high slot that beat Anaheim goalie Ville Husso stick-side to give Toronto a 4-3 lead with three minutes left in regulation.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In his March Madness brackets, Obama has the Arizona Wildcats men defeating the Duke Blue Devils (who have already been upset) and UConn's women's team winning it all.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The Wolverines defeated the Mustangs in state semis last year and in 2021 and 2025 and won state title games against Grapevine in 2018 and 2022.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Subject.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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