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.

I ask how things are between them these days.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

“But next year, I think we’re going to set up some scaled-back winter routes to keep an eye on how things are developing,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 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

They’d have money dates on a weekly or monthly basis to discuss how things are going, and they’d work to stay on the same page about major financial decisions.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

Boots are as good as ropes for telling how things are.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

how things are

Example Sentences

Related Words