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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.

But the matter at hand may only be a subset of a broader ideology or worldview that creates a systematic distortion, not just about Iraq but about a whole complex of political issues.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 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

"The sensitivity of the matter at hand - as in all legal and court proceedings - determines that use of AI-assisted tools is limited, and human expertise prioritised," Acolad said.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2023

The UC proposal would also require the university president to give advance notice of major athletics decisions to inform the board chair and chair of the committee with jurisdiction over the matter at hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 17, 2022

The great thing about human language is that it prevents us from sticking to the matter at hand.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas