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 The outsole is made of abrasion-resistant, flexible and recyclable rubber and sports hybrid nubs, grooves and sawtooth traction patterns. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 LaCrosse Alpha Deck Boot $140 The best thing about this rubber boot is the exterior nub on its heel. — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026 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 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
  • Now Calvin is the burly family fisherman, puttering away on his boat, scooping up chunks of ice from nearby glaciers to sell to vodka distilleries.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Add the brown sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, baking powder and baking soda to the bowl and use a rubber spatula to press and smear the ingredients until no chunks of butter remain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of chunk
Noun
  • Before looking at groundwater, the team tested similar sensors to guide breast cancer surgery and to image root systems in plant biology.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Vest’s campus roots Ma, 25, became interested in crypto derivatives while studying finance and philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • The result, if done correctly, should appear tear-soaked but clump-free.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This represents the plasma hitting and passing through clumps of surrounding gas, energizing it.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of clump
Noun
  • The safety filing delivers the core engineering and operational data needed for federal oversight.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Sayegh also puts her staying power down to her father’s influence, which instilled core values like honoring deals, treating people with respect and booking movies based on audience demand and not personal taste.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Toasted hunks of homemade corn bread and pepitas make crispy finishers.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The room was modern-rustic, with cedar-plank walls, limestone floors, hunks of Utah rock crystals, and a private back terrace with an outdoor swing overlooking a brook that provides a soothing nocturnal soundtrack.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of hunk
Noun
  • The bones, essence, and layering of that apartment form a mini masterclass in design.
    — Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In the morning, reach for your cleanser or simply rinse the skin with water, then proceed with a hydrating serum or essence (if desired), moisturizer, and SPF.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • Nestled deep among the wads of shredded paper and other bric-a-brac, the occupants made not a squeak, concealed to anyone who looked through the carrier’s door.
    — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Even after 25 years, Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro’s series about an anthropomorphic milkshake, french fry container, and a wad of meat wasting their days in suburban New Jersey remains one of Adult Swim’s most recognizable properties.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of wad
Noun
  • Brockman’s message received 40 hearts, five checkmarks, and three thank-you emojis.
    — Garrison Lovely, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Many dietary recommendations overlap with long-standing heart-health advice, such as eating more fruits, vegetables and fish.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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