Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for heart of the matter. Search instead for heart the matter.
Definitions

heart of the matter

NOUN
nitty-gritty
Synonyms
STRONG
basics core essence focus fundamentals gist heart kernel meat quintessence reality root soul substance
WEAK
bottom line brass tacks chief part chief thing cold fact essential details essential part hard fact important matter meat and potatoes name of the game nuts and bolts the facts the name of the game
Antonyms
STRONG
exterior exteriority outside surface

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the heart of the matter are longstanding rules that cap the number of households one company can reach.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

And then — the heart of the matter — curate a vibe.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2025

At the heart of the matter are credit-card interchange fees, which merchants pony up when shoppers pay with plastic.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

Her dissenting opinions cut through to the heart of the matter.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2025

Leroy had a knack for getting to the heart of the matter.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "heart of the matter" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com