Subtraction — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /səb-ˈtrak-shən/ sub·trac·tion

Meaning & Definition of Subtraction

Subtraction (noun)

  1. an act, operation, or instance of subtracting
  2. the withdrawing or withholding of a right to which an individual is entitled
  3. the operation of deducting one number from another

Subtraction (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or an instance of taking away from a total

    "the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order"

    similar: deduction
    related: discount, giveback, kickback, rebate, abatement, decline, decrement, detraction, diminishment, diminution, drop, fall, loss, reduction, shrinkage, curtailment, cut, cutback
    opposite: accession, addition
    near: boost, enlargement, gain, increase, increment, raise, rise, accretion, accrual, accumulation, addendum, appendix, augmentation, supplement, supplementation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Subtraction

The most common words with a similar meaning to Subtraction:

deduction

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Subtraction

Words with the opposite meaning of Subtraction:

accession, addition

Related Words for Subtraction

discount, giveback, kickback, rebate, abatement, decline, decrement, detraction, diminishment, diminution, drop, fall, loss, reduction, shrinkage, curtailment, cut, cutback

Near Antonyms of Subtraction

boost, enlargement, gain, increase, increment, raise, rise, accretion, accrual, accumulation, addendum, appendix, augmentation, supplement, supplementation

Origin & Etymology of Subtraction

Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Subtraction

What does "Subtraction" mean?

"Subtraction" means an act, operation, or instance of subtracting. As a noun, it is defined as: an act, operation, or instance of subtracting.

What is another word for "Subtraction"?

Other words for "Subtraction" include deduction. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Subtraction" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Subtraction"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Subtraction". Common alternatives include deduction.

What is the opposite of "Subtraction"?

Antonyms of "Subtraction" include accession and addition. Near antonyms include boost, enlargement, gain and increase.

How do you use "Subtraction" in a sentence?

Examples of "Subtraction" in a sentence: "the restaurant may not have raised the price, but there's definitely been a subtraction in the number of fries in a side order".

Is "Subtraction" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Subtraction" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Subtraction"?

"Subtraction" is pronounced /səb-ˈtrak-shən/ and divided into syllables as sub·trac·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Subtraction"?

"Subtraction" comes from Middle English subtraccion, from Anglo-French sustraction, subtraction, from Late Latin subtraction-, subtractio, from Latin subtrahere. First known use: 15th century.