Another Word for Subject: 22 Synonyms with Examples
A subject is what something is about, something you study, or a person under a ruler or being studied; as an adjective it means likely to be affected. Swap it to match the sense.
As a noun: what something is about
As a noun: an area of study
As a noun: a person taking part in research
- participant
- volunteer
- case
- patient
As an adjective: likely to be affected by
- liable
- prone
- open
- vulnerable
- exposed
- susceptible
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- topic
- Used for what is discussed or written about; slightly less formal.
- theme
- An underlying idea that runs through a work.
- focus
- The main subject attention is given to.
- discipline
- An academic subject.
- participant
- The usual modern word for a person in a study.
- liable
- As in "liable to change": likely to be affected by something.
Example sentences
- topic: The topic for tonight's debate is social media.
- theme: Friendship is the main theme of the novel.
- focus: The focus of the report is rural transport.
- discipline: Geography links many other disciplines.
- participant: Each participant completed a short questionnaire.
- liable: Prices are liable to change without notice.
Opposite of subject
- exempt
- immune
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “subject”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: capable, dependent
verb: subjugate
noun: content, study, bailiwick
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “subject”?
The most useful alternatives are “topic”, “theme”, “matter”, “issue”, “focus”. For the main sense (what something is about), “topic” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “topic” and “theme”?
topic: Used for what is discussed or written about; slightly less formal. theme: An underlying idea that runs through a work.
What is the opposite of “subject”?
Common antonyms are “exempt”, “immune”.