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Definition of detailnext
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as in detachment
a small military unit with a special task or function the officer sent out a detail to patrol the perimeter of the compound

Synonyms & Similar Words

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detail

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun detail contrast with its synonyms?

The words item and particular are common synonyms of detail. While all three words mean "one of the distinct parts of a whole," 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 could item be used to replace detail?

In some situations, the words item and detail are roughly equivalent. However, 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 particular be a better fit than detail?

While in some cases nearly identical to detail, 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 detail
Noun
Not to mention, lace details are also a major trend. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026 Other stylists, meanwhile, bank on the much finer details. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Officials have declined to detail how many immigration officers are deployed there. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026 Shane also looks, moves, and sounds thoroughly autistic in a way that is different from the usual mode that Williams detailed. Sarah Kurchak, Time, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
Noun
  • The lineup includes mashups such as the Surf N' Turf burger, a Chicken Cheeseburger and the returning Chicken Big Mac, along with novelty items like an Espresso Milkshake, an Apple Pie Mini McFlurry and Big Mac sauce sold separately as a dip.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Ways to Personalize Your Home Personalizing your space isn't just about displaying items with your last name or hanging family photos.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In fact, the last three Chiefs results have all been for the best for them — losing in the short-term offers some benefit for the team’s long-term future.
    Sam McDowell January 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The woman reflected on her husband’s emotional detachment, explaining that his father had been abusive and that his death had brought relief rather than grief.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
  • Bébé’s rejection of her child and her emotional detachment are a common response, according to doctors, who describe not just a disconnect by rape survivors to their children but even efforts by some women to harm babies born of the attacks.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • But again, as of late, Jalen has been doing a great job of making plays for us.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The TikTok guy will even teach you how to use the tools required for the job.
    Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Smoothie stations ready to replenish calories as quickly as they’d been lost and golf carts stationed to ferry players to class.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite Danish naval unit that conducts long-range reconnaissance and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness, is also stationed in Greenland.
    Claudia Ciobanu, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • First, Monty Miller (a suave, anguished Jon Hamm), Tommy’s lifelong friend and billionaire founder of M-Tex, dies suddenly, but not before naming the fixer as the new company president.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The rover, named SCARABS, comes from the Lunar and Planetary Exploration Laboratory at UEL and focuses on compact design, hardware validation, and long-term lunar infrastructure rather than spectacle.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Of the six injured, three were listed in critical condition, according to the Salt Lake Police Department.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • She was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.
    Jose Fabian, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • According to the Hindu, local eyewitnesses have said that the elephant attacks mostly at night while people are sleeping, and residents have been using firecrackers and patrol teams to keep the animal away from heavily populated areas.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • During his time in Iraq, Ross was a machine gunner on a combat logistical patrol team, court documents show.
    Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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