Synonyms

the thing

Idioms

Also, the in thing. Something in style or vogue, the latest trend. For example, Wearing oversized clothes is the thing these days, or Vans and sports utility vehicles have been the in thing for some time now. The first term dates from the mid-1700s; the second, which uses in in the sense of “popular,” dates from the mid-1900s. Also see the latest.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

the thing

"But here's the thing: we're dealing from total strength. We can end it at any time. If I can make a deal, I'd rather do it, save a lot of lives."

From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026

I think that’s the thing we should pay attention to.

From Slate ● Oct. 31, 2026

"If there's a lesson, it's write the thing you really care about."

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

Ben’s ancient monitor doesn’t even have software that can read the thing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

Running, he could not hear if the thing was returning behind him.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023