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

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adjective

subjection

4 of 4

noun (2)

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
The subject of the kiss-and-cry is not such a debate at the senior level, where athletes are essentially professionals. Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 This combined with a raft of positive reviews for Araújo’s handling of the tough subject, has landed it a slot in early awards prediction lists. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
Authorities discovered that their parents had subjected the siblings, who ranged in age from 2 to 29 at the time, to brutal violence and deprived them of food, sleep, hygiene, education and health care. ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026 Rather than turning travelers away at airport checkpoints, TSA plans to subject passengers without compliant identification — such as a Real ID or passport — to additional identity screening. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
This includes developing agentic AI for subject-matter experts and revolutionizing the entertainment industry with AI video generation, Cordwell wrote. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026 For nearly three decades, Victoria Beckham has managed her public persona as both subject and strategist. Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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
  • The rival bids have drawn scrutiny from antitrust experts and lawmakers, who worry that either death could reduce competition in an entertainment industry already dominated by streaming giants.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026
  • It’s speculated that a runaway greenhouse effect took place on Venus long ago, leading to its dense, thick, hot atmosphere, dominated by carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid clouds.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That means advocating for policies that expand opportunity—supporting job creation, workforce training, homeownership, and small businesses—while opposing ideas that keep people dependent or stagnant.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • As has now been thoroughly documented, these women worked with Epstein expecting modeling or business opportunities that in many cases never materialized, and would often become dependent on him for a visa, housing, or money.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Joe Brusuelas, senior economist at RSM US, highlighted a few of those factors when pushing back on White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett’s claim Monday that subdued job gains are primarily the result of lower population figures and higher productivity.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • State Police troopers used a Taser in an attempt to subdue him.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The bound, heavy scriptures were placed on the cot and carried off in a procession to its sleeping quarters.
    Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The teenage phenom who seemed bound to start at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar instead fell down the depth chart.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her victory continues the comeback theme – a narrative of paths conquered, attempted, thwarted and ongoing – that has come to define the alpine women skiers of these 2026 Games.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Basically, look for a design that looks like as though was made for walking in the Mediterranean, but also for conquering the city streets.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • His elections in 2018 and 2024 were widely denounced as fraudulent or unfree by the U.S., the European Union and many Latin American governments.
    Paul Vallas, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Tian Feng, former dean of SenseTime’s Intelligence Industry Research Institute, revealed that the free provision of T800 robots will help smaller companies overcome research and development barriers.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The first obstacle to overcome is to develop a computer chip that works in the extreme conditions of space, which includes exposure to much higher levels of radiation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Magic rallied from 17 points down to win 120-117, but the Jazz defeated the Heat 115-111.
    Mark Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Cyclones, who are 13-0 at Hilton Coliseum this season, have defeated the Jayhawks three straight years in the building.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Subject.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subject. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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