Meanings
plural real things
- Something genuine and of high quality, as opposed to an inferior imitation.
Recent history acts as a warning not to get carried away when Arsenal look as though they are finally emerging from their long post-Arsene Wenger transition period - but this time it feels like the real thing.
2022 October 1, Phil McNulty, “Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham: Gunners show identity & direction in outstanding derby win”, in BBC SportSynonyms: real deal, real McCoy, pure quill, the shit, the bomb
Synonyms & antonyms
nounSomething genuine and of high quality, as opposed to an inferior imitation.
More synonyms by meaning
nouninformal usage attributing authenticity
Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.
Cite this entry
real thing. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/real%20thing
“real thing.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/real%20thing. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “real thing,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/real%20thing.
Source: real thing on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.