1
as in chunks
a small uneven mass
throw a nub of butter into the frying pan
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in roots
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
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Recent Examples of nubs
Fumbling with the plastic nubs can be painful and frustrating.
—
Zoe Gates, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
This wooden foot massager roller features an arched design and rows of nubs to hit different acupressure points to provide relief.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
My rubber-shod toes were pressed on little nubs the size of chicken nuggets.
—Emily Meg Weinstein
september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nubs
Noun
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Once that’s been melted to water, larger chunks of the ice slough off much more easily.—
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If large stuck-on food chunks remain, carefully scrape them off with a razor blade, being mindful not to scratch the stovetop.—
Noun
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No one could trace the secret roots of Skinny Pedro’s devotion to the world of machines.—
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Leaving stems and leaves intact through winter provides extra insulation to plant roots and crowns and protects plants from cold damage.—
Noun
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Divide the clumps every two years and replant some of the bulbs.—
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How could there not be something glittery and white, not trees or rocks or twists and dippings of the ground or clumps of bushes, little gullies where the water runs infrequently.—
Noun
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What the museum dream team did not see was the pain in our hearts about this jail.—
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My message this week is about not letting our hearts be troubled, and Jesus is the way.—
Noun
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Additionally, their cores can (usually) be removed, allowing sealant to be injected through them into tubeless tires.—
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Since then, the plant has produced large volumes of water contaminated with radioactive substances used to cool the reactor cores.—
Noun
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Use those wads of wrapping paper leftover from a birthday, baby shower, or holiday bash to stuff the bottom and sides of the box and prevent shifting during shipping.—
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Hanging ornaments with care can be one of the highlights of the holiday season, but untangling wads of string lights is far less enjoyable.—
Noun
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It’s served alongside a slab of cold sweet potato and garnished with hefty kernels of the dent corn called choclo.—
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Like corn kernels in slowly heating oil, the orca sightings began sparse and unpredictable.—
Noun
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Skin care leads the conversation, alongside a growing focus on niche fragrances, refined essences and wellness treatments.—
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And this year’s lineup is loaded with glow-boosting icons—from milky toners and hydrating essences to overnight masks that make your skin feel like a cloud.—
Cite this Entry
“Nubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nubs. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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