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

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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.
The Melone minaudière is on everyone’s mood board, so why not bring back the real thing? — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The result is a preview that gets much closer to the real thing than a flat product shot. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 What was then widely regarded as a poor imitation of the real thing has since moved into the mainstream. — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 For shoppers hunting the real thing, your old stuff is the real thing. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for the real thing

Rhymes for the real thing

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Browse Nearby Words

the real deal
the real thing
thereamong
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Cite this Entry

“The real thing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20real%20thing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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