meat-and-potatoes 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmēt-ən(d)-pə-ˈtā-(ˌ)tōz How to pronounce meat-and-potatoes (audio)
Definition of meat-and-potatoesnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

meat and potatoes

2 of 2

plural noun

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

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 meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
Some want a big old meat-and-potatoes meal, some dream of a sushi omakase extravaganza. — ABC News, 17 June 2026 That’s not a bad dramatic backdrop for a documentary, and when Soderbergh sticks to the classic meat-and-potatoes of doc construction—voiceover and archival material—The Last Interview is fine. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 May 2026
Plural noun
Viewed as a playmaker in the middle of the park, Boudri is expected to add flair and creativity to a midfield group that was more meat and potatoes in 2025. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026 While the meat and potatoes of this outfit—a baggy T-shirt and button-down with khakis—are total dad staples, the mix feels cool and purposeful. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meat-and-potatoes
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. introductory
  4. rudimentary
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • Despite that footprint, the basic cement-making process has changed relatively little since the material was invented in 1824.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Today’s recipe A basic vinaigrette is a balancing act between acidity and fat.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Adding West High School will require drawing a third zone, and the zone boundaries will affect the racial and socioeconomic balance of schools, along with transportation times and feeder patterns for elementary and middle schools.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In elementary classrooms, engagement may include collaborative projects involving discussion and problem solving, writing, or small-group lessons.
    — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Jones and Feliciano won their introductory press conference Monday, creating a level of engagement and connection that topped even the public introductions of Moores and Lucchino in 1995 and the Seidler-Ron Fowler group in 2012.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • WYouth magazine’s Ava Nirui, a friend of the designer, conducted the in-book interview with Liang, and actress and close friend Greta Lee penned the introductory letter.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • Using rudimentary 3-D animation tools, the film looks janky, with sharp edges and bad editing.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The panels were expensive and rudimentary by today’s standards.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Ultimately, keeping firearms securely locked and unloaded away from kids and unauthorized individuals is a fundamental part of responsible gun ownership.
    — Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Russian businesses face fundamental economic challenges as the costly war drags on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

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meat-and-potatoes
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Cite this Entry

“Meat-and-potatoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meat-and-potatoes. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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