20 Other Ways to Say THINGS (With Examples)

You often say “things” when you can’t think of the exact word. Words like items, stuff, or objects can make your speech or writing sound clearer. Using different words helps you sound more natural and specific. In this article, we will explore 20 other easy ways to say “things” with simple examples you can use every day.

20 Different Ways to Say THINGS: Another Word for Things

Items

“Items” is a great word to use when talking about specific objects or pieces of something. It sounds more formal than “things” but is easy to understand. You can use “items” when listing products, belongings, or any group of objects. It is useful for writing, shopping lists, or work notes. Items make your sentence sound clear and organized.

• I bought many items from the store today.
• Please check your items before leaving.
• The list of items includes pens and notebooks.

Objects

“Objects” refers to physical things that you can see or touch. It is often used in science, art, or daily life. You can use “objects” when talking about anything solid and separate. It helps you describe items clearly without being vague. This word is also useful for teaching kids or explaining shapes.

• The classroom has many objects on the table.
• She collected small objects for her project.
• The museum displays historical objects.

Stuff

“Stuff” is casual and very common in everyday conversations. It can refer to almost anything you own or carry. Use it when you don’t want to be specific, like in informal speech. Stuff makes your sentence easy and relaxed. It works for friends, family, or casual writing.

• I need to pack my stuff before leaving.
• He has too much stuff in his room.
• Can you move your stuff out of the way?

Belongings

“Belongings” usually refers to personal items you own. It is polite and clear, often used in travel or moving situations. You can use it when talking about what you carry or what is yours. It makes your sentences sound responsible and organized. Belongings show ownership.

• Please take care of your belongings.
• She packed all her belongings in a suitcase.
• Don’t leave your belongings on the train.

Possessions

“Possessions” is similar to belongings but can sound a little more formal. It refers to items you own, especially valuable ones. Use it when talking about property, valuables, or anything you keep for yourself. It shows that the items are important to someone.

• He lost all his possessions in the fire.
• Her possessions include books and clothes.
• Protect your possessions when traveling.

Materials

“Materials” refers to things used to make something else. It is common in school, work, or craft projects. You can use it when talking about resources, ingredients, or tools. Materials explain the purpose of the items. This word is more specific than “things.”

• The project needs different materials like paper and glue.
• They bought materials for building a shed.
• We ran out of materials for the craft.

Goods

“Goods” usually refers to products or items for sale. It is used in stores, markets, or business. You can use it when talking about things people trade or sell. It gives a professional feeling to your sentence. Goods are often counted, moved, or sold.

• The shop sells a variety of goods.
• Imported goods are usually expensive.
• They delivered goods to the market.

Articles

“Articles” can refer to objects or items, often in writing or trade. It works for specific things that are part of a set. Articles are more formal than “things.” It is useful in stores, shops, or describing objects in a collection.

• The store has many household articles.
• I read interesting articles online.
• These articles are part of the exhibition.

Gear

“Gear” refers to equipment, clothes, or tools for a specific activity. It is common in sports, travel, or work. You can use it when talking about what is needed for a task. Gear makes your sentence clear and practical.

• Don’t forget your camping gear.
• He packed his gear for the trip.
• The team checked their gear before the game.

Tools

“Tools” are items used to do a job or fix things. It is a more specific word than “things.” You can use it for work, home, or crafts. Tools help you explain clearly what is used for a task.

• I bought new tools for the kitchen.
• The carpenter has all the tools he needs.
• We need tools to repair the door.

Equipment

“Equipment” refers to machines, tools, or materials used for a purpose. It is common in work, sports, or school. Use it when talking about sets of things needed for a job. Equipment makes your sentence professional and clear.

• The gym has modern equipment.
• Safety equipment is very important.
• We bought new equipment for the office.

Supplies

“Supplies” are items needed for a task or activity. It is common in school, office, or home. Use it when talking about things you use regularly. Supplies make your sentence practical and organized.

• The teacher asked for classroom supplies.
• We need more art supplies for the project.
• Emergency supplies should be ready at home.

Devices

“Devices” are machines or tools with a specific function. Use it when talking about technology or gadgets. Devices make your sentence precise and modern. They are more specific than “things.”

• Smartphones and tablets are useful devices.
• The kitchen has many devices for cooking.
• New devices can help with learning.

Products

“Products” usually refers to things made for sale or use. Use it when talking about items from factories or stores. Products sound professional and clear. They are often counted, tested, or sold.

• The shop sells high-quality products.
• These products are very popular.
• They launched new products last week.

Paraphernalia

“Paraphernalia” means all the small items needed for an activity. It is often used for hobbies, events, or sports. You can use it when talking about a group of items together. Paraphernalia gives your sentence more detail and variety.

• The party needed decorations and other paraphernalia.
• He packed all his fishing paraphernalia.
• Art paraphernalia includes brushes and paints.

Effects

“Effects” can refer to personal things someone owns, often in formal writing. It is used in legal or travel contexts. Effects make your sentence formal and precise. You can use it to describe possessions, belongings, or personal items.

• He lost his personal effects in the accident.
• Travelers must secure their effects.
• Her effects were stored in a safe place.

Components

“Components” refers to parts of a whole object or system. Use it when talking about technical items, machines, or sets. Components explain the role of each item in a system. It is more precise than “things.”

• The computer has many components.
• Each component is important for the machine.
• They replaced damaged components carefully.

Widgets

“Widgets” is a fun word for small objects, often in technology or business. It can refer to gadgets or items in general. Widgets make your sentence sound playful or modern. It is useful in tech, marketing, or casual speech.

• The store sells colorful widgets.
• New widgets help improve the app.
• He collected tiny widgets for his project.

Assets

“Assets” usually refers to valuable things owned by someone. Use it for money, property, or important items. Assets make your sentence sound professional and serious. They show value and importance.

• The company has many valuable assets.
• Real estate is an important asset.
• Protect your digital assets carefully.

Stuffies

“Stuffies” is a very casual, fun word for soft toys or things you like. Use it when talking to kids or friends. Stuffies make your sentence playful and friendly. It works well for informal writing or chatting.

• She sleeps with her favorite stuffies.
• Kids love collecting cute stuffies.
• The shop has soft stuffies for everyone.

Table of Synonyms for Things

Final Thoughts

I hope this list of 20 different ways to say “things” helps you sound more natural and clear. Using synonyms like items, objects, or gear can make your speech or writing better. Try using these words in daily life, school, or work to make your sentences stronger and more interesting. You can mix casual and formal words depending on the situation.