Synonyms for

Thing

Verb / θɪŋ / Another word for thing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A material object without life or consciousness; an inanimate object.

Synonyms & similar words

matter affair object item article entity piece element stuff matter substance commodity product artifact belonging gear paraphernalia implement appliance contraption device gadget

Synonyms by register

Formal

object item entity article

Informal

stuff whatsit gizmo doohickey thingamajig

Literary

matter essence element

Antonyms

nonentity nothingness void emptiness absence nullity

Common collocations

  • a thing of beauty
  • the whole thing
  • one thing at a time
  • big thing
  • small thing
  • first thing
  • last thing
  • thing to do

Word family

noun thing
adjective thingy

Usage note

The word 'thing' is extremely general and can refer to almost any object, concept, or event. It is often overused in informal speech and writing. For more precise communication, consider using a more specific noun.

Example sentences

  1. I lost my favorite thing.
  2. That thing is too heavy for me to pick up.
  3. I need to buy some things at the store.
  4. Can you hand me that thing over there?
  5. I love that thing you made for me.

Quotes

  • The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. - Audrey Hepburn
  • A person is a person, no matter how small. - Dr. Seuss
  • The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

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