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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 subtract
The second point is when the planet is hidden behind the star, so the light of just the star can be subtracted from the light of the star and planet together, leaving just the light from the planet.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Philadelphia was in a bit of a pickle in figuring out how to get under the luxury tax at next week’s trade deadline without subtracting key players.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Don't hesitate to add or subtract reps to achieve the right amount of effort (more on that below).
—Will Stone, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026
That’s subtracting a state’s exits from its arrivals.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtract
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Philadelphia was in a bit of a pickle in figuring out how to get under the luxury tax at next week’s trade deadline without subtracting key players.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Don't hesitate to add or subtract reps to achieve the right amount of effort (more on that below).
—Will Stone, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026
That’s subtracting a state’s exits from its arrivals.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtract
deduct
Verb
-
Loan payments are typically automatically deducted from your paycheck, which will mean less money to put toward other expenses, including payments on your new mortgage.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
4 Feb. 2026
-
By comparison, certain workers can deduct up to $25,000 in tip income or $12,500 in overtime pay in 2025.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtract. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
