nub
17 synonyms for nub, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The central point or essence of a matter.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use nub
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the nub of the matter
nub of the problem
Etymology
Related to Low German words for "knot" or "lump," and to the English word "knob."
Full origin of nub →Frequently asked questions
What does “nub” mean?
The word “nub” means the central point or essence of a matter. In plain terms, either a small bump, or (more often) the core point of an issue.
How do you pronounce “nub”?
“Nub” is pronounced nuhb (/nʌb/ in IPA).
How do you use “nub” in a sentence?
Here is “nub” used in a sentence: “The nub of the argument was who should pay for the repairs.”
What part of speech is “nub”?
“Nub” is a noun.
Where does the word “nub” come from?
The word “nub” comes from German. Related to Low German words for "knot" or "lump," and to the English word "knob.".
How many meanings does “nub” have?
“Nub” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the central point or essence of a matter.
