Synonym Chooser

How does the noun item contrast with its synonyms?

The words detail and particular are common synonyms of item. While all three words mean "one of the distinct parts of a whole," 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 detail be a better fit than item?

The synonyms detail and item are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would particular be a good substitute for item?

Although the words particular and item have much in common, 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 item The front of the shirt is imprinted with his colorful work and all of the proceeds from the $45 item will benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 26 Jan. 2025 Daughter Caroline Poe noted perhaps the item her dad is most proud of was the media blitz to promote running back Kenneth Davis for the Heisman after his 1984 season. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2025 Some offerings are off-menu items for a variety of reasons. Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 The park also has released some new menu items that will be available for purchase during the event, which runs on select dates between Jan. 31 and May 4. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for item 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • Always adept at this kind of comedy action thing, Diaz has not missed a beat and does most of her stunts, as does Foxx.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
  • In the grand scheme of things, a game on a field is nothing compared to the task of losing a loved one or rebuilding a life after losing it all.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Jackson Health System, a public safety net provider in Miami, said in a statement that quarterly reports to the state don’t contain individual patient information.
    Vanessa G Sánchez and Daniel Chang, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
  • This article has been updated to add new information.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Your child might surprise you by actually talking about their day—or at least the weird green stuff on their plate.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Iris does some wild stuff to win her man back, but Gordon sells the hell out of it.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Brides already have plenty of other details to worry about with hair and makeup looks.
    Jennet Jusu, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025
  • After Bolton was fired by Trump, the president terminated his security detail.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Another sneaky tactic is phishing, where scammers trick you into giving away your card info by posing as legitimate companies via emails or fake websites.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Incorrect account info: Sometimes, payments mistakenly can show up as late, or closed accounts may still show as active.
    Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The particulars of the incoming Administration’s antitrust-labor policy remain to be determined.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Others worried that the minimum strips discretion away from judges, who have more insight into the particulars of the defendants before them.
    Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This story has been updated with additional information, context, and statements.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Moody, wearing dreadlocks and a contagious smile, can’t stop scoring, averaging 32.7 points per game.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Thomas, a Pittsburg native, is averaging 26.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals while shooting 47.6% from two-point range and 38.1% from beyond the arc for the City Reapers in Overtime Elite play.
    Richard Davenport, arkansasonline.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near item

Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!