as in to deduct
to take away (an amount or number) from a total
if you subtract 10 from 23, you get 13 you can subtract the time you spent daydreaming from your total homework time
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Recent Examples of subtract
The Power Four — the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and ACC — plus the Big East comprise 79 schools and continue to add rather than subtract.
—
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
In the poker games case, Jones would face 63 to 78 months in prison, but prosecutors agreed to subtract 15 months from the sentence in exchange for Jones pleading guilty before April 30.
—Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Demerits are subtracted from a starting score of 100, which is considered perfect.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
If Brown is traded pre-June 1, the Eagles would take on $43 million in dead money and subtract $20 million from their salary cap space.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtract
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
In the poker games case, Jones would face 63 to 78 months in prison, but prosecutors agreed to subtract 15 months from the sentence in exchange for Jones pleading guilty before April 30.
—Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Demerits are subtracted from a starting score of 100, which is considered perfect.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
If Brown is traded pre-June 1, the Eagles would take on $43 million in dead money and subtract $20 million from their salary cap space.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtract
deduct
Verb
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Because those contributions are deducted at the 37% rate, the IRS subsidizes another $8,510.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Boston Herald,
18 May 2026
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If the family participates in the business as an active investment, the depreciation can potentially be deducted against income on other investments like stocks, Hans added.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtract. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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