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
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2025
These preparations go beyond the meat-and-potatoes approach, bringing a worldview to the table in memorable ways.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 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
Was Nansi simply a meat-and-potatoes, fourth-line player?
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2025
These preparations go beyond the meat-and-potatoes approach, bringing a worldview to the table in memorable ways.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 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
-
People were detained on the basis of their appearance or accent, and the violent encounters on the streets made many residents afraid to go out even to purchase groceries or other basic necessities.—
Kica Matos,
Hartford Courant,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Schumer and his caucus are right to demand that ICE stop its terror tactics as basic conditions for any DHS funding agreement.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This introductory program provides the elementary knowledge needed to learn this fun hobby.—
Melissa Grzybowski,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
-
During her first year as superintendent, Rogers saw improvements in elementary reading literacy and math scores and a decrease in absenteeism.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Acquario Pizza’s introductory menu offers a choice of 10 pizzas with toppings such as soppressata, prosciutto cotto, Calabrian chili peppers and cup-and-char pepperoni.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Mar. 2026
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Critics were given only two of the nine episodes from the first season for review, and these introductory episodes include everything from venus fly-traps and a human meat grinder to a serial killer with botched calf implants.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The federal government also funded more than a hundred thousand programs across the country and, relying on rudimentary punch-card computers, kept track of everything going on everywhere and made that information available all over.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The cognitive processes behind adaptation Far from being rudimentary, the study investigated the neural mechanics behind these visual representations, suggesting the presence of abstract thought—a crucial step in the evolution of human thinking.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Williams’ priorities are to lower the cost of living, ensure access to excellent county services and protect fundamental rights in court meetings.—
Rachel Royster
Updated March 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Feldman added that the fundamental path for Target looks healthy going forward.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Meat-and-potatoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meat-and-potatoes. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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