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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of meat-and-potatoes
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
Was Nansi simply a meat-and-potatoes, fourth-line player?
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2025
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
That’s meat and potatoes y’all.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
Amaya Battle is a meat-and-potatoes basketball player.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
Was Nansi simply a meat-and-potatoes, fourth-line player?
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2025
Plural noun
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
That’s meat and potatoes y’all.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
-
However, instead of pairing the beachy look with thong sandals or basic white sneakers, Holmes opted for a pair of brown suede Franco Sarto Mary-Jane flats and black accessories for a touch of New York sensibility.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Slowing down, verifying requests and adding basic protections like alerts and two-factor authentication can make a real difference.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Proceeds support horticulture scholarships at MiraCosta College and fund garden programs in local elementary and middle schools.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
This year, six staffers each covered multiple schools across elementary, middle and high school levels to provide therapy and referrals to Johnson County Mental Health.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
-
As an introductory offer, the first drone delivery order of $10 or more gets a $5 discount and free delivery.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Workers often enter deep shafts using rudimentary equipment, while enforcement of rules is carried out through violence.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Iran also spied on Iraqi positions with rudimentary precursors to drones, an early use of one of the regime’s most effective weapons in its attempt to blockade the strait.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gathering public input is fundamental to the legitimacy of regulatory agencies.—
Mary Nichols,
Mercury News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
That’s despite the fact that the Rodríguez regime has yet to allow fundamental freedoms and still holds nearly 500 political prisoners, according to the Foro Penal human rights group.—
Andres Oppenheimer,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meat-and-potatoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meat-and-potatoes. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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