subtractive

adjective

sub·​trac·​tive səb-ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce subtractive (audio)
1
: tending to subtract
2
: constituting or involving subtraction

Examples of subtractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As a musician, the structure and subtractive nature of my studio works would have never materialized without a deep interest and analysis of the mid-century works of Rothko, Barnet Newman and Donald Judd. — Danny Klein, SPIN, 24 July 2026 By greatly expanding the dimensions of his images, with their muted palettes, tight cropping, found symmetries, and laconic wit, had the maestro of the photographic epigram betrayed his subtractive aesthetic? — James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Maxine used both additive and subtractive painting processes to build textured canvases. — Emma Allen, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 The Addition Default In 2021, researchers at the University of Virginia published a study in Nature showing that people systematically overlook subtractive solutions. — Andrew Siemer, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtractive

Word History

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtractive was in 1690

Rhymes for subtractive

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Browse Nearby Words

subtraction sign
subtractive
subtractive primary
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Cite this Entry

“Subtractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtractive. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subtractive

adjective
sub·​trac·​tive səb-ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce subtractive (audio)
: being or involving subtraction
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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