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
  • Police are investigating inside the home and have also been talking with neighbors and looking for evidence from things like doorbell cameras, Vainuku said.
    CBS News, CBS News, 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
  • This article was updated with additional information.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 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
  • 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
  • Here are the rest of the baby name details: Harper Origin: English Meaning: Harp player, according to Nameberry.com Similar Names and Variations: Harlow, Piper, Hadley Famous Namesakes: There's author Harper Lee who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 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
  • This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
    Michael D. Carroll AND Shannon McDonagh, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
  • 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.
    Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 19 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, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter messaged him.
    Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 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 26 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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