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 An item that’s large, sturdy and is made for organizational purposes will be priced higher. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 Another popular item that sparks creativity in surplus sale shoppers: engine blades. Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 30 June 2025 To purchase an item, Luckin customers browse the coffee store's menu and make payments directly online. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 30 June 2025 As a grocer that sells many food items from the U.S., Sargent said Kroger isn’t as impacted by higher tariffs on imports from across the globe as other companies. Melissa Repko, CNBC, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for item
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • Meanwhile…things haven’t looked so good for Starbucks in China recently, and not just because its baristas can’t spell names in Chinese characters, either.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 2 July 2025
  • The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Prescribing information will now include warnings of the connection between the vaccines and a rare side effect that causes inflammation of the heart muscle and lining.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • The Defense Department satellites were also the main source of real-time information about changes to sea ice.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Moving is consistently considered one of the most stressful life events, and a lot of this has to do with the sheer amount of stuff involved.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • There would be nightclub stuff happening in the evenings.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • While many details of the wedding still remain under wraps, including the guest list and precise date, certain information has been made available.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Every detail, from the heritage prints to the bikini ties inspired by the traditional choli, pays homage to India in a modern way.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • More info here Palm Beach County Offers temporary assistance for rent and utility payments.
    Flor Paz, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • Horncastle unfolds lively background info about preeminent fashion houses (such as Fendi) and designers (such as Valentino).
    Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The particulars on the contract buyout are unknown at the moment, but confirmation from those in the media are that Clarkson will be signing with the New York Knicks.
    Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • But nailing down the particulars of the problem proves more slippery.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • For beautiful views of the Tennessee River and Wilson Dam, head to this greenspace with a scenic 1.3-mile trail along the waterfront with interpretive displays sharing stories about Florence’s history.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • Instead of museum stories, this is a living legacy of knowledge that needs to be shared with the human family.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda were fighting for a position outside of the points at the same time.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • But the absurd has become almost predictable at this point.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

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