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

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.

Both Christianity and queerness pose the same question: What if the way things are is not the way they should be?

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

Maslany: I see shifts elsewhere in terms of just the way things are made or cast.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

But the way things are going, everyone will need far bigger changes if they’re going to slow him down.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Palace have won away at Manchester United in the past two seasons but, the way things are going for both teams, you'd only ever go for a home win here.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

“And we know who is involved. The way things are shaping up, Nell, it’s much more than the railroads that need protecting now.”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

way things are

Example Sentences

Related Words