The word "thing" is used to refer to an object, an idea, or an activity that is not specifically named or known. It can be used when we don't have a more specific word to describe something. Full definition
Let us ask ourselves what are the kinds of things of whose existence we are most confident. (religion-online.org)
At the end of the day, you can evaluate a lot of things about people but you can't predict the future. (sbnation.com)
While the reality of culture wars can hardly be denied, I prefer to think of First Things in terms of conversation rather than warfare. (firstthings.com)