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
Some will include links to a dupe website with a URL and a webpage designed to look like the real thing.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The lenses were so long and the cameras so far back, in fact, that on occasion the local police mistook the film’s action for the real thing.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
And regarding fake Labubus, Pop Mart still has a few tricks up its sleeves to keep the spotlight on the real thing.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Just as imitation antiques won’t resonate like the real thing, neither will a home full of pieces that don’t carry any sentiment or meaning.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the real thing
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The lenses were so long and the cameras so far back, in fact, that on occasion the local police mistook the film’s action for the real thing.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
And regarding fake Labubus, Pop Mart still has a few tricks up its sleeves to keep the spotlight on the real thing.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Just as imitation antiques won’t resonate like the real thing, neither will a home full of pieces that don’t carry any sentiment or meaning.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share