a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
She was promoted to president in a matter of months, while at the same time, Disney put the finishing touches on its acquisition of the company.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
In a matter of days, Kiffin restocked a virtually empty quarterback depth chart with a strong combination of experience and talent, while also setting it up to win now (with Leavitt) and in the long run (with Longstreet).
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
As Mercury and Jupiter clash, financial success is a matter of luck, not sound strategy.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
The Nets were coincidentally in town — staying at the same hotel as the Nuggets, as a matter of fact — for a game against the Pelicans on Wednesday.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
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Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
In a matter of days, Kiffin restocked a virtually empty quarterback depth chart with a strong combination of experience and talent, while also setting it up to win now (with Leavitt) and in the long run (with Longstreet).
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
As Mercury and Jupiter clash, financial success is a matter of luck, not sound strategy.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
The Nets were coincidentally in town — staying at the same hotel as the Nuggets, as a matter of fact — for a game against the Pelicans on Wednesday.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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