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Definitions

the very thing

ADVERB
absolutely
Synonyms
STRONGEST
actually categorically definitely doubtless exactly positively precisely really surely truly unconditionally unquestionably
WEAK
come hell or high water conclusively decidedly decisively easily for sure no ifs ands or buts no strings attached on the button on the money on the nose right on straight out sure as can be sure as hell sure enough unambiguously
Antonyms
STRONGEST
doubtfully dubiously questionably uncertain
WEAK
doubtfully
ADVERB
precisely
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolutely accurately as well correctly literally specifically squarely strictly
WEAK
definitely even expressly for a fact for sure just so no ifs ands or buts no mistake on the button on the money on the nose plumb right sharp smack smack-dab square sure sure thing the ticket to a tee yes
Antonyms
WEAK
imprecisely questionably unsure

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.

"That is the very thing that decides, quite plainly, whether I can, in any way whatsoever, continue to perform in the role I hold, or not."

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Snook was dealing with the kind of calculations that mothers have to make all the time, the very thing the show itself is addressing.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

Ironically, criticism is the very thing that drives companies to spend more money flying execs around on private jets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

People aren’t just labor inputs into a production function; they are the very thing that makes the economic pie grow.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

The Ruler of India sent the BFG a magnificent elephant, the very thing he had been wishing for all his life.

From "The BFG" by Roald Dahl