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Definition of subtract

subtract

/səbˈtrækt/
sub · tract
Adverb:subtractively
•
Adjective:subtractive
•
Past Simple:subtracted
•
Past Participle:subtracted
•
Present Participle:subtracting
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subtract Lexical Profile

subtract Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To take away a number or quantity from another to calculate the difference.

Example

"If you subtract seven from twenty, you are left with thirteen."

2

To remove, deduct, or withhold a part, cost, or quality from a whole.

Example

"The company will subtract the cost of the uniform from your first paycheck."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for subtract

• Nearby Words

subtly
subtopic
subtotal
subtract
subtraction
subtropical
subtropics

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin 'subtractus', the past participle of 'subtrahere' ('to draw from under, take away'), formed from 'sub-' ('from under') and 'trahere' ('to draw or pull').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Subtract. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/subtract
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