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

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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
Then, just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker for a seriously delicious meat-and-potatoes meal with carrots and celery added. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026 Wahlberg was a 20-something bad boy who took a more meat-and-potatoes (or Peter Berg and Peter Berg) route to popular success. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
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 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 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
  • Attacks on ships — and the threat of them — virtually halted traffic in the waterway during the conflict, causing the price of oil to skyrocket and raising prices on many basic goods, including food, far beyond the region.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • If your bathroom has a basic flush mount, don’t be afraid to replace it with something more eye-catching, like a sputnik chandelier or a lantern pendant.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • Nelson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Weist herself appears in a brief introductory clip before the performance proper.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The Heat is expected to hold Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference on July 16.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • The outpost may resemble something of a rudimentary city on the moon.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The Athletic’s Michael Cox gave a detailed breakdown that walked through the tactical hypotheses, but there might be a more rudimentary explanation for this trend.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Meantime, earnings forecasts have soared, largely but not exclusively on the back of the AI-equipment bottleneck, providing plenty of fundamental cover for the tape.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • All of these detention facilities have in common a fundamental disregard for our health and well-being.
    — Brady Tillett, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Definition of fundamental

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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 9 Jul. 2026.

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