nub

noun

ˈnəb How to pronounce nub (audio)
Definition of nubnext
1
as in chunk
a small uneven mass throw a nub of butter into the frying pan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration the nub of the argument is that the intelligence agencies failed the country

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 nub Slugs and snails are some of the peskiest garden visitors that can riddle plant leaves with ragged holes or chew tender crops like lettuce down to nubs overnight. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026 Lenovo's classic keyboard and TrackPoint (the trademark red nub that works as a joystick-like pointer controller) are as good as ever. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 June 2026 The high-tops were essentially created as high-top basketball shoes with nubs tailored to astroturf, and a zippered tongue features an additional velcro layer at the top. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 9 June 2026 The neighborhood/area José Ignacio is a tiny nub of a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic about two and a half hours by car from downtown Montevideo. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nub
  1. chunk
  2. root
  3. clump
  4. core
  5. hunk
  6. essence
  7. wad
  8. heart
Noun
  • In its simplest form, scientists can put a chunk of soil in a mason jar, measure how much gas is released over time, then extrapolate a total figure.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Jewely and clothing claim a significant portion of the spending in this market, with the average Indian allocating a massive chunk of their lifesavings for this one event.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of chunk
Noun
  • This can help address the root cause of behaviors such as spending excessive time in bed awake, maintaining irregular sleep schedules, and conditioned arousal such as worrying about sleep.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 31 July 2026
  • The Buffalo Rose Saloon (Golden) Located in the heart of downtown Golden, the buildings that house The Buffalo Rose events complex have roots that are as old as the city itself.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 31 July 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • Lipofuscin is essentially cellular garbage (clumps of oxidized proteins and fats that cells can no longer break down).
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • These approaches include molecules designed to clear these protein clumps or reduce their production, as well as molecules that can stop them from aggregating.
    — Sunil Kumar, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
Definition of clump
Noun
  • The core challenge is agents' ability to exploit existing weaknesses at scale, necessitating improved governance and careful permission management.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • But Cheogyal and his classmates studied the history of Tibetan dynasties, logic, philosophical systems, poetry, linguistics, and astrology – core subjects in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Use your hands to break the block of tofu into craggy hunks (about the size of strawberries).
    — Ali Francis, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026
  • More footage shot inside the disco shows the Real Madrid hunk grabbing Exposito, dipping her down and giving her a big kiss in front of everyone.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Definition of hunk
Noun
  • In its goal of adapting local dishes to the essence of its menu, the team has gone all the way.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There's almost a ballad essence to it, even though it's got that stomping kick to it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • Walker wore his Cardinals hat backward, chewed a big wad of bubble gum and reveled afterward in flashing his imitation Liberty Bell bling, the champions chain presented by Ryan Howard.
    — Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • Walker chewed a big wad of bubble gum and wore his cap backward just like Hall of Famer and Derby great Ken Griffey Jr.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of wad
Noun
  • If your body has been asking you in a few ways to slow down (like feeling a cough coming on, or a tiredness that won’t shake off), stop fighting against what your body or heart is trying to tell you.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Hürrem takes inspiration from the 16th‑century romance between Ottoman ruler Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and his chief consort Roxelana, who became Hürrem Sultan upon winning his heart.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart

Browse Nearby Words

nuanced
nub
nubbin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nub. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nub for Spanish Speakers

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