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

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 item Authorities have pointed to other items which may point to a motive. Dalia Faheid, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024 Popular items are roasted pistachios, cashews and fancy mixed nuts. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2024 Starting in January 2026, companies part of producing, processing, packing and holding food items will be required to keep thorough records of food traceability (though there are some exemptions). Craig Dunaway, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 HelloFresh offers great portion sizes, easy-to-cook meals, and over 100 weekly menu and market items to choose from. Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for item 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • There has been chatter about getting a deal done for a merger, but things have yet to materialize.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
  • These are things that the federal government has an appropriate role to do.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Before the rally, a group of voters traveled from Massachusetts and distributed information on the GPO to every Senator’s office.
    Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The brain moves information from the hippocampus–where short-term memories are stored into the neocortex.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Lauren Goode: Total Nextdoor vibes or stuff about relationship drama, really messy situations.
    Lauren Goode, WIRED, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Comments There was a lot of flat-out amazing stuff on Survivor 47’'s penultimate episode.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details from Thomas, Hunter and Duplessis.
    Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Azari did not provide details about when, where or how Hannah made contact with her family and said there would be no further statements at this time.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • That info seems to check out as the fight is already showing up on Tapology as confirmed.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Here's a handy guide to shipping deadlines to get your stuff there by Christmas, plus info on Free Shipping Day.
    Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • All the details and particulars will be forthcoming post-closing, which is expected in the new year.
    Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Ultimately, the show landed on bringing Daryl and Carol back together via an action sequence, though the exact particulars weren’t settled upon until very close to filming.
    Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • 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.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Maybe even more than surprise story of the year Indiana, Arizona State looks interesting in the Playoff given its offensive weaponry.
    The Athletic College Football, The Athletic, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Police at one point said the fatalities included four victims plus the shooter, but later lowered the number to two.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • At one point, Ratcliffe leant in to hear what Wilcox was saying, in an apparent explanation of events happening below them, and that configuration of seats perhaps indicates the new order in light of Dan Ashworth’s exit as sporting director.
    Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near item

Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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