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

Examples 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

The photo frames the western coastline of the Persian Gulf, with the countries of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain visible in exquisite detail. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 The document was heavily redacted, making some of the details unclear. —

Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 22 Dec. 2024

Verb

China is conducting the largest military build-up seen since that of Nazi Germany during the 1930s, one expert warns, after a new Department of Defense report detailed Beijing's operations including bolstering weapons and psychological warfare. —

Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 29 Dec. 2024 The report details how journalism was a positive force in communities large and small, and in ways that are both wide-ranging and intimate. —

Eric Larsen, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail

Noun

She was plastered across social media feeds, parodied on SNL, and faced the pitfalls of fame when visitors had their viewing privileges restricted for throwing items into her enclosure.

Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 28 Dec. 2024
Instead of going too matchy-matchy, the married couple tends to opt for a similar color story or theme, often choosing just one item to bring their looks together, like their matching pink sneakers or green-lensed sunglasses.

Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Dec. 2024