thing

Examples

• All

• I just have to figure out how this thing works.

  Babes (2024)

• I'm just giving you a list of the things that we listed.

  MIT OpenCourseWare

• Is there such a thing as a bad leader?

  Vusi Thembekwayo

• I just like to keep things fresh and honest.

• So for me, the thing I want is process.

• That probably means one of two things, or both.

  Andrew Huberman

• I thought that was a really cool thing to say.

  Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

• I just heard the most amazing thing!

  Dirty Dishes (2022)

• Perhaps one of the most telling things is the variations among the individual components.

  Academic text (2011)

• Can you explain this thing to me in more detail?

Synonyms

I

item

vsthing

∞ 1.0

A single thing in a list or collection

is broader and applies to abstract ideas and statements not in lists

Idioms

T

the thing is

• Informal

546 3.5

To say an important fact or reason when explaining something

H

here's the thing

• Informal

147 7.2

A phrase that introduces the most important point in a discussion

A

a thing or two

• Informal

75 3.7

Some useful knowledge or experience about a subject

E

every little thing

35 1.6

All small details of a person's life or a situation

A

a thing of the past

• Informal

27 3.8

Something that people do not use or think about anymore

T

the greatest thing since sliced bread

• Informal

1 6.9

A very useful new thing that people say is great

A

any old thing

• Informal

1 5.6

A thing of any kind, often not good or picked without care

C

chance'd be a fine thing

• UK

1 9.9

A phrase said to show something would be nice but is very unlikely to happen

L

last thing on one's mind

• Informal

6.0

Something a person is not thinking about or worrying about right now

N

next thing one knows

• Informal

8.2

Something happens suddenly before you notice

T

the last thing one needs

6.6

Something you do not want at an important or difficult time

Compounds

A

another thing

281 1.6

A phrase to add an extra point and mention a problem when speaking or writing

R

real thing

195 3.8

A thing that is not fake and is exactly as expected

L

living thing

70 1.0

A plant, animal, or small creature that grows and needs food and water

S

sure thing

53 2.4

Something that is certain to happen or succeed

N

nice thing

34 1.0

An attractive or valuable object that people enjoy owning

D

decent thing

11 3.2

An action most people see as the right and kind thing to do

F

fine thing

• Informal

10 7.2

Something very good or lucky that you doubt will happen

T

thing-in-itself

• Specialized

3 9.9

What something really is apart from how people see it

S

sweet young thing

• Offensive

3 8.2

An attractive young woman often talked about in a kind way or as less grown-up

N

near thing

• Informal

1 6.6

A situation when something bad almost happens but does not

D

dadburn thing

• Archaic

1 9.9

A mild word people use to show annoyance without swearing

C

cunty thing

• Offensive

9.9

A very rude remark or action that upsets people

How Specific

fact

∞ 1.0

point

∞ 1.0

thing

∞ 1.0

thought

∞ 1.4

idea

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology