nubbin

noun

ˈnə-bən How to pronounce nubbin (audio)
Definition of nubbinnext
1
as in speck
a very small piece had only a nubbin of crayon left

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration this nubbin of the intelligence report is the prediction that the country's government will soon fall

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 nubbin Secchi’s ragù is the opposite of bouncy meat nubbins bobbing in tomato sauce. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025 Double-tapping the nubbin now pops up a menu with volume and microphone controls and voice typing. — PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025 Ground nubbins of paprika, cumin, sage and black pepper that have moldered into flavorless, colored molecules. — Scott Hocker, theweek, 23 Dec. 2024 Heffernan, a gravely captivating newcomer, wraps each expression and gesture around a hard little nubbin of distrust. — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nubbin
  1. speck
  2. root
  3. fleck
  4. heart
  5. bit
  6. core
  7. particle
  8. kernel
Noun
  • Hezlep House is on the market for a speck under $5 million with listing agent Nancy Valentine.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That’s way off in the distance, barely a speck on the horizon.
    — Zach Przystup, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of speck
Noun
  • That fire makes for a potent combination with her swimming roots.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The materials used can vary widely, including roots, herbs, crystals, stones, coins, cloth, ceramic sherds, pins, powders, and the body parts of animals.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • Little flecks of roasted sweet potato pepper the cake, and a tangy cream cheese glaze is a perfect complement to the warm spices and crunchy topping.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
  • One image of her right knee showed flecks of blue plastic that prosecutors said came from an inflatable pool Burke used to collect blood while dismembering her body.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Definition of fleck
Noun
  • A number of cardiovascular conditions—including atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder—are linked to cardiac neurons.
    — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Maceta, moved to pity at times, would put an ear to his friend’s chest and hear how Ruiz’s heart leaped about inside his body, as though trying to fly apart.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Bits of pickled veg and infused butters come with the bread course, and the Parker House-like bread itself is multicolored thanks to leftover bits of beet and ramp and carrot.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes he can get pulled a little bit too far towards his near post with wide shots and open up space towards the back post.
    — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • Sangare was one of the core players of the Lens side who pushed Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain hard for the French title last season, eventually coming up six points short.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The cryptocurrency exchange told Fortune that bitcoin’s core infrastructure is largely safe, adding that the real vulnerability is at the wallet level.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Most are no larger than a particle of dust, or grain of sand.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There is also a record that staff there was improperly emitting particles through their smokestack.
    — Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of particle
Noun
  • After obtaining remote code execution, agents inspected the local system, identified a Linux kernel version vulnerable to a recent privilege escalation flaw, downloaded an exploit, adapted it and obtained root access.
    — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, cook 2 cups yellow corn kernels in a medium skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat until warmed through and browned in spots, 6 to 8 minutes.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of kernel

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Cite this Entry

“Nubbin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nubbin. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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