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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

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
My favorite design detail, however, are the back pockets that elevate the look. Essence Wiley, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026 Additional plot and character details are not yet known. Selome Hailu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Hegseth made no mention of those programs in a memo detailing his cuts last week. Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The memorandum also details two former employees who came to Lauer with concerns about the company’s ethics and operations, only to be rebuffed. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
Noun
  • Some dishes, like the exceptional goat neck dum biryani, which is served in a pot that’s sealed with a thin flatbread, are larger, so check in with your server about the number of items to order.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Discerning content creators will be more than willing to praise or roast an item, focusing on fabric, fit and value for money.
    Alice Cary, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The service Despite the fact that the resort is, quite literally, removed from direct access to any major city, no special request seems too unrealistic or unreasonable.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The fact that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a crawl is not just delaying the supply of crude out of the Middle East.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How to practice detachment in relationships Don’t rearrange your life.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Top actors start skipping the Oscars with a blasé detachment.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Provost has pledged to use those lessons learned, with labor unions awaiting details as to whether this will have implications for jobs in France.
    Albertina Torsoli, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • As of December 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported over 400,000 job openings.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Germany will not actively participate in military action against Iran but will consider defending its soldiers stationed on multinational military bases in Jordan and Iraq if they are attacked, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Monday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Up to 40,000 American troops are stationed across the region, equipped with advanced US missile-defense systems.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Wondras, along with two prior roommates, were named as people of interest in the case in 2022, but only Stacey Wondra has officially been charged in the boy’s killing.
    Alex Brizee March 3, Idaho Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Iran's senior clerics responsible for selecting the next supreme leader are considering naming Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to the top post, according to reports.
    Lee Ying Shan,Anniek Bao,Victor Loh, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Predictions will be first available for clients of Clear Corretora, one of XP’s brands, that have an international account, and the products will be listed through the company’s US brokerage arm.
    Katherine Doherty, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Wiggins sat out Friday’s win over the Hornets because of knee tendinitis, but was listed as out on Sunday due to a toe injury.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The state patrol says the driver of the squad car is 35-year-old John Gleason.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • An officer at the scene was injured by shattered glass when the light pole fell onto the police patrol vehicle, San Diego police spokesperson Officer Colin Steinbroner said at the time of the shooting.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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