how things are

NOUN

condition

Synonyms

STRONGEST

action case plight position quality situation status

STRONG

ballgame estate happening mode order posture predicament rank repair reputation riff scene shape sphere spot standing state trim

WEAK

how it goes how things stack up lay of the land like it is size of it state of affairs status quo way things are way things shape up where it's at

NOUN

reality

Synonyms

STRONGEST

existence matter phenomenon real world realism sensibility truth

STRONG

absoluteness actuality authenticity being certainty concreteness corporeality deed entity genuineness materiality object palpability perceptibility presence realness solidity substance substantiality substantive tangibility validity verisimilitude verity

WEAK

bottom line brass tacks like it is name of the game nuts and bolts way of it what's what

Antonyms

STRONG

abstract concept falseness idea

WEAK

belief fantasy hypothesis imagination theory

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.

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how things are

It has long since lost its purpose of informing the public on how things are going and its authority to set a legislative agenda.

From Slate ● Feb. 24, 2026

“We’ve always looked to the United States to see how things are going in vaccine programs,” she said.

From Salon ● Feb. 22, 2026

The coupled laughed as they explained that each year they have "a professional development review" where they sit and discuss how things are going.

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026

At this point in the “Beast Games” season, where are your expectations for how things are going to play out?

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 11, 2026

Kind of an odd way to look at life in hiding, but that’s how things are.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

how things are

Example Sentences

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Related Words