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
Ben Croll, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
The only cooking required is the hands-off step of simmering the farro, and the combination of flavors and textures will likely win over even the most meat-and-potatoes of diners.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
That was the meat and potatoes for so many people to spring from, to learn from, where their next job came from.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
Before long, former Top Chef champ Cécile is back slinging meat-and-potatoes at her parents’ roadside truck stop and rekindling old flames with her country-boy ex, Raphaël (Bastien Bouillon).
—Ben Croll, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
The only cooking required is the hands-off step of simmering the farro, and the combination of flavors and textures will likely win over even the most meat-and-potatoes of diners.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Plural noun
That’s meat and potatoes y’all.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
That was the meat and potatoes for so many people to spring from, to learn from, where their next job came from.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
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Rental companies provide maps and basic instructions, then let passengers set off at their own pace, picnic baskets in hand.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Change is inevitable, but the rapid destruction of the basic precepts upon which our government was formed is beyond dangerous.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The nature center also offers adventures for little ones, including a dig pit, a bird blind, easy trails, and programming for toddlers and elementary-aged children.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
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And from January 2023 to June 2024, more than 800 instances of swatting were recorded at elementary, middle, and high schools, according to the K-12 School Shootings Database.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Rodrigo’s introductory project is now up to 224 weeks on the main albums tally and streaming roster, but only 196 turns on the all-encompassing sales list.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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There’s a simmering rage and self-loathing to Blakey, which Latif matches in the form of unpredictable camera motion, but these introductory moments are about as energetic as the movie ever gets.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even if partners don’t agree on every single detail pertaining to religion or politics, most healthy couples nevertheless share a rudimentary worldview.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Set in 1994 and kitted out with plenty of period-appropriate details, the film’s setting allows for all sorts of mystery (and one, quite funny, rudimentary internet search).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Their approach is founded on collaboration, where solidarity plays a fundamental role.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
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This shift represents a fundamental change in how professional development happens, with corporations taking direct responsibility for credentialing workers in emerging technologies.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Meat-and-potatoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meat-and-potatoes. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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