DETAIL Synonyms: 182 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'detail' contrast with its synonyms?

The words item and particular are common synonyms of detail . While all three words mean "one of the distinct parts of a whole," detail applies to one of the small component parts of a larger whole such as a task, building, painting, narration, or process. // leave the details to others

Q: When could 'item' be used to replace 'detail'?

In some situations, the words item and detail are roughly equivalent. However, item applies to each thing specified separately in a list or in a group of things that might be listed or enumerated. // every item on the list

Q: When might 'particular' be a better fit than 'detail'?

While in some cases nearly identical to detail , particular stresses the smallness, singleness, and especially the concreteness of a detail or item. // a description that included few particulars

detail 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈtāl

Definition of detail next

as in item

a separate part in a list, account, or series every detail was accounted for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fact

a single piece of information didn't leave out a single detail in his police report on the burglary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in detachment

a small military unit with a special task or function the officer sent out a detail to patrol the perimeter of the compound

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in job

a specific task with which a person or group is charged the soldier was placed on guard detail at the border crossing

Synonyms & Similar Words

detail

2 of 2

verb

as in to station

to assign to a place or position once again he was detailed to guard duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to name

to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty the new assistant was detailed to accompany the boss on the business trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to list

to specify one after another detailed all of the reasons that the plan was a bad idea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

generalize

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun detail contrast with its synonyms?

The words item and particular are common synonyms of detail. While all three words mean "one of the distinct parts of a whole," detail applies to one of the small component parts of a larger whole such as a task, building, painting, narration, or process.

leave the details to others

When could item be used to replace detail?

In some situations, the words item and detail are roughly equivalent. However, item applies to each thing specified separately in a list or in a group of things that might be listed or enumerated.

every item on the list

When might particular be a better fit than detail?

While in some cases nearly identical to detail, particular stresses the smallness, singleness, and especially the concreteness of a detail or item.

a description that included few particulars

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of detail

Noun

For the names and details of Missouri defendants, click here. —

Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025 That is not accurate and many of the details for how this will be done are not included in the order. —

Jeff Brady, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025

Verb

White had released quarterly reports since 2021 detailing the complaints his office received. —

Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025 On the cover, photographed by Larissa Hofmann, the Emilia Pérez star, 46, also bares her nipples in an ultra sheer Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello nude minidress with a low scoop neckline, bold red lace detailing and a turquoise crochet skirt hem. —

Michelle Lee, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for detail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail

Noun

Then, the victim noticed the suspect was following him to his house, and the two drivers threw items at each other, Bercaw said.

— Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025
Professional, organized thieves swooping into stores in groups to steal high-demand items to sell on the black market.

— Cailey Locklair, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2025