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 Judd said the investigation into the retail crimes began in October, when Publix reported that a series of high-end liquor items were being stolen from stores in Central Florida. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Though select items are available online, knowledge of the brand has spread mostly by word of mouth in and around St. Moritz; Schuler-Voith-Albers-Schönberg recently opened a showroom there offering bespoke and custom options. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2025 This travel-ready style has zippered pockets to keep important items secure. Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2025 Remove your shoes and other items before entering your home. Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for item
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • And also, thinking about thousands of others going through the same thing.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After the couple’s patient died, the last thing that Teddy wanted to do was discuss the fact that Owen had slept with someone else.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For more information on the kittens and what to do when witnessing someone abandoning pets on the side of a road, visit the shelter’s website.
    TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
  • When appropriate, include specific data points, statistics, or background information in your AI prompt.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And somebody who does not have that skill and talent makes terrible looking stuff for those tools.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Everybody's talkin' all this stuff about Britney Spears.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Late in the day Friday, prosecutors called FBI agent Kelly Shanahan, one of the lead agents on the case who gave the greatest detail yet on how investigators got onto Maani in the first place.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, Sloss did not share any details at the time.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Every package would need a scannable code linking to key info like batch numbers, expiration dates, and how much THC or other cannabinoids are in each serving.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For more info: Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, Los Angeles A 1910 portrait of a woman wearing a bird hat made of ostrich feathers.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to its obvious visual appeal, the lamp’s technical particulars could be readily tailored to the needs of 21st-century sourcing and production.
    Ian Volner, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The particulars of that process are rendered in frustratingly generic fashion, as Maria’s effort to escape from the shadow of her success is reduced to a heroin addiction and a few bad days on set before a chance encounter with a young journalist (Céleeste Brunnquell) offers a new path forward.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Our goal this episode was ending certain stories in climactic ways, yet building a platform for the show to leap off.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At one point, physicians even considered halting treatment to allow Pope Francis to die peacefully.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The rear stair, crafted from stained mahogany to echo the home’s central Queen Anne–style staircase, is another point of great interest in the residence.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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