the real thing
noun
: something that is genuine and not a copy or imitation : something that is truly valuable or important
The diamond turned out to be the real thing.
You've done very well in your training. Let's just hope you're ready for the real thing.
Examples of the real thing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Restaurants across the Coast are known for serving fritters packed with generous chunks of the real thing.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025
Opt for Artificial If you're set on placing your tree in a certain spot or don't want to adjust your thermostat for the season, there are plenty of artificial Christmas trees that look just like the real thing.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2025
Or maybe your host might like a Secret Sharpie that looks and functions like the real thing but comes with a secret compartment that can be used to conceal pills, cash, or state secrets ($10).
—Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
Horford said Richard had been showing him the design of the ring for several weeks before getting the real thing in person on Tuesday.
—Nick Friedell, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the real thing
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Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025
Opt for Artificial If you're set on placing your tree in a certain spot or don't want to adjust your thermostat for the season, there are plenty of artificial Christmas trees that look just like the real thing.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2025
Or maybe your host might like a Secret Sharpie that looks and functions like the real thing but comes with a secret compartment that can be used to conceal pills, cash, or state secrets ($10).
—Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
Horford said Richard had been showing him the design of the ring for several weeks before getting the real thing in person on Tuesday.
—Nick Friedell, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the real thing
Cite this Entry
“The real thing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20real%20thing. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.
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