meat-and-potatoes 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmēt-ən(d)-pə-ˈtā-(ˌ)tōz How to pronounce meat-and-potatoes (audio)
Definition of meat-and-potatoesnext
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject a meat-and-potatoes knowledge of figure skating is all that a spectator really needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

meat and potatoes

2 of 2

plural noun

as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration an article that never gets into the meat and potatoes of a solution to the city's rising crime rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
For a front office that routinely overthinks the room, this is dangerously close to a competent, meat-and-potatoes haul. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026 When working in that vein, Barnett’s journeys through self-doubt are well-matched with the stomping, meat-and-potatoes indie-rock production that Burke Reid and Dan Luscombe brought to her first two albums. — Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
Plural noun
While the meat and potatoes of this outfit—a baggy T-shirt and button-down with khakis—are total dad staples, the mix feels cool and purposeful. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026 Save as a collection on MyRecipes To some, the definition of a comforting dinner is meat and potatoes. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meat-and-potatoes
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. introductory
  4. rudimentary
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • The first level of that trio is the most basic and familiar, a main floor that starts at a front lounge that brings the driver's area into the fold by way of swiveling cab seats.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • The airline reported higher revenue for premium, corporate and no-frills basic economy tickets, as well as rising unit revenue for both domestic and international trips.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • It was hit and miss, but overall those bookshelves were like the world itself, stretchy enough to accommodate, across decades, both a middle-aged lawyer and his elementary-school granddaughter.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • This card offers one of the longest introductory APR periods for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 July 2026
  • Early last year, El-Sayed travelled to Washington for introductory meetings with various pillars of the Democratic establishment.
    — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • Ong cited case studies by the neuropsychologist Alexander Luria, who traveled to remote villages in Uzbekistan and Kirghizia in the 1930s, when peasants were starting to receive rudimentary reading and writing instruction.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • As international rescue teams depart and officials shift to rebuilding, Venezuelan families in La Guaira are left to recover bodies on their own, using only rudimentary tools and bare hands.
    — Fernanda Pesce, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • In oral testimony, DTIC representatives supported by the country’s labor department and trade administration emphasized that South Africa has ratified International Labour Organization fundamental conventions that bar forced labor in supply chains.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
  • The law says the fundamental purpose of the parks is to conserve their scenery, nature, history and wildlife.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Definition of fundamental

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meat-and-potatoes
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Cite this Entry

“Meat-and-potatoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meat-and-potatoes. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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