thing
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for thing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use thing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English þing, which originally meant a public assembly or legal matter, before broadening over centuries to mean almost any object or topic.
Full origin of thing →Frequently asked questions
What does “thing” mean?
The word “thing” means any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically. In plain terms, a very general word for an object, situation, or matter when you don't need (or can't think of) a more specific word.
How do you pronounce “thing”?
“Thing” is pronounced THIHNG (/ˈθɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “thing” in a sentence?
Here is “thing” used in a sentence: “What is that thing on the shelf?”
What part of speech is “thing”?
“Thing” is a noun.
Where does the word “thing” come from?
The word “thing” comes from Old English. From Old English þing, which originally meant a public assembly or legal matter, before broadening over centuries to mean almost any object or topic.
Is “thing” a common word?
“Thing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “thing” have?
“Thing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any object, item, or entity that isn't named more specifically.
What is the difference between a thing and an object?
An object is usually something physical you can touch or see, with clear boundaries. A thing is broader and vaguer, covering not only objects but also ideas, actions, events, or situations, as in "the right thing to do." Every object is a thing, but not every thing is an object.
What does it mean when people say something is 'a thing'?
In modern casual speech, calling something "a thing" means it genuinely exists or has become a recognised trend or phenomenon, as in "Is that even a thing?" It is a way of questioning or confirming whether something is real, common, and accepted, rather than made up or one-off.
Is 'thing' a formal word?
No, it is informal and vague, best suited to casual conversation. In formal or precise writing it is usually better to name the specific object, concept, or issue you mean, such as "document," "factor," or "problem," because "thing" can sound lazy or unclear when accuracy really matters.
What is the plural of 'thing'?
The plural is "things," formed simply by adding -s. It refers to more than one object or matter, as in "pack your things" or "things are going well." The word is completely regular, with no spelling change to the root, and works for both physical items and abstract situations.