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 box contained a smattering of items, including ammunition, building materials, four cell phones and handwritten letters. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 The administration has not yet ordered the removal of any items. Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025 Each item in the collection bears the name of a woman who has personally influenced Wood, creating a direct link between the designs and her own life experiences. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for item
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • Nevertheless, the Phillies and Marlins teams were aware that few things are as exciting for a young fan as getting a home run ball.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This homey boutique is a one-stop shop for all things Durango.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Northwest Arkansas Community College continues to monitor classes for nonparticipating students, who are dropped from the enrollment count once they are identified, according to information provided by the college.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process.
    Abreanna Blose, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Birthday or not, Lakshmi is known for strutting her stuff.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • And not because of my own past history with any kind of addictive stuff at all.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Etihad flight details and NC investment The new route will use a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which offers around 300 seats in business and economy cabins.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Here, Ne Zha 2 succeeds wildly; locales such as a heavenly city made entirely of jade and a towering, bamboo-verdant waterfall are rendered with genuinely beautiful texture and detail.
    Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Be sure to check out our buying advice, tips, and news on media streaming devices for more info.
    Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • That display provides basic info like the time, radio, weather, and speed while managing to remain both inconspicuous and beautiful.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Opening night at the Toronto International Film Festival is always a scene, but the particulars of your scene?
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
  • How that is done depends on the particulars of a case.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This is a developing story and will be updated.
    Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Florida native has averaged 20 points over the last four seasons.
    Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Starting guard Courtney Williams overcame a slow start to finish with a team-high 17 points, and Natisha Hiedeman added 16 off the bench.
    Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 20 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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