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Dictionary.com

matter at hand

NOUN
bone of contention
Synonyms
WEAK
altercation apple of discord argument beef conflict controversy debate disagreement dispute grounds for war issue point in question problem sore point tender spot
NOUN
subject
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affair business case course discussion idea item material object point problem proposal question study subject matter substance theme thought topic
STRONG
argument chapter class core gist head meat motif motion motive resolution text theorem thesis
WEAK
field of reference principal object
Antonyms
STRONG
exterior exteriority fact outside proof
WEAK
master

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.

Many attendees of local public meetings tend to drift into offensive diatribes that have little to do with the matter at hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

Despite the very serious subject matter at hand, attending the Diddy trial in lower Manhattan can feel a bit like begging for entry into “New York’s hottest club.”

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2025

"Whilst we understand the inconvenience and the matter at hand this issue is being dealt with and actioned as quickly as we can."

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2023

Following this year's festivities, many concertgoers took issue with Frank Ocean's disappointing headliner performance while some took issue with a more pressing matter at hand: the festival food.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2023

We toasted and drank, then Wilem brought us back to the matter at hand.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss