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
While on the topic, Trump insisted that an edited image of Abrego Garcia’s alleged MS-13 tattoos were the real thing.
—
Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 June 2025
Imitation don’t look good next to the real thing, do it?
—Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 June 2025
Wrapping the sandwiches in butcher paper can be a nice touch and a tip of the cap to the real thing.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
There’s a chance that Trump’s efforts lead both sides, one step at a time, to project a willingness to make peace that ends up turning into the real thing.
—Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 7 May 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.
Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 June 2025
Imitation don’t look good next to the real thing, do it?
—Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 June 2025
Wrapping the sandwiches in butcher paper can be a nice touch and a tip of the cap to the real thing.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
There’s a chance that Trump’s efforts lead both sides, one step at a time, to project a willingness to make peace that ends up turning into the real thing.
—Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 7 May 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 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share