easy
Ten minus four equals six.
What does Minus mean?
Minus means subtract or take away.
Dictionary definition
showing subtraction, a negative amount, or something taken away.
Example sentences
Minus in a sentence
medium
The temperature was minus five degrees.
hard
In math, a minus sign shows that one amount is being taken away from another.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice minus in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Minus
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does minus mean?
The correct sentence uses minus in context.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to minus?
Subtract is close in meaning to minus in many contexts.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym or useful contrast for minus?
Plus contrasts with minus.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Minus
Voice settings
Sounds like
my · nus · strongest beat: my
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordMinus.
Partpreposition, adjective, noun.
MeaningMinus means subtract or take away.
ExampleExample: Ten minus four equals six.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- my · nus
- Strongest beat
- my
- Ending
- nus
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on my.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced minus.
Synonyms
Words like Minus
Antonyms
Opposite words
plusshowing addition
addto put amounts together
Synonym practice
Want to practice minus synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Five minus two equals three," then compare close word choices. Practice minus synonyms.
Word family
Minus word family
Base word
minus
noun
minus sign
The symbol used to show subtraction or a negative number.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Minus
Hint for students
Minus means to subtract or take away in math.
Common mix-up
Minus is not the same as plus. Minus takes away; plus adds more.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows minus without using the word minus. Example: I had ten grapes, gave away three, and had seven left. Clue words: gave away three, seven left Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show taking away or subtracting?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Ten minus three equals seven." Why does minus fit better than plus?
Learning activities
Practice Minus and explore more word games
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Practice MINUS
Sentence Builder
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