thing

n.

1. An object

   article, object, item, lifeless object, commodity, device, gadget, material object, conversation piece, being, entity, materiality, corporeality, body, person, something, anything, everything, element, substance, piece, shape, form, figure, configuration, creature, stuff, goods, matter, thingy*, thingamajig*, gizmo*, whatchamacallit*, doohickey*, thingamabob*; see also substance 2.

2. A circumstance

   matter, condition, situation; see circumstance 1.

3. An act

   deed, feat, movement; see action 2.

4. A characteristic

   quality, trait, attribute; see characteristic.

5. An idea

   notion, opinion, impression; see thought 2.

6. A pitiable person

   wretch, poor person, sufferer, urchin; see patient, refugee, tramp 1.

7. Belongings; usually pl.

   possessions, clothes, personals; see property 1.

8. Something so vague as to be nameless

   affair, matter, concern, business, occurrence, anything, everything, something, stuff, point, information, subject, idea, question, indication, intimation, contrivance, word, name, shape, form, entity.

9. Something to be done

   task, obligation, duty; see job 2.

do one's own thing*

see things