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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
At a March meeting of the NBA’s Board of Governors, Silver said 12 cities were being targeted for the launch but did not go into detail. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026 Rather, experts say the fact that the virus is breaking with its pattern of being a menace, primarily, of older adults is a telling detail. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
The hand wash and car detailing business has been a Fairfield staple since the 1950s. Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 During an appearance on The Wendy Williams Show in February 2015, the 90210 star detailed his close relationship with Bronx. Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
Noun
  • The Granbury City Council chambers was nearly overflowing with people Tuesday evening as residents came out to speak on the agenda items and voice their disapproval and disappointment.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Investigators later uncovered one of the largest contraband seizures in the prison's history, including more than a pound of pure methamphetamine, marijuana, cell phones, and other items hidden inside the facility.
    CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Lemann had not included any facts or details about the trial.
    Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
  • So the fact that my mom had it doesn't make any sense.
    Cristian Benavides, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her early death, after an illness that the father initially contrives to ignore then notices just in time to capture her desperation in a fine sketch, leaves Mimí utterly disoriented, yearning only to achieve a level of self-control and detachment that will spare him their tumultuous struggle.
    Tim Parks, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
  • There’s an implication early on that Pumpkin harbors her own secrets, but the portrait remains too blank to sell her detachment as a riddle worth solving.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Just as important, these shows let art fans size up the job curators are doing on their behalf.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
  • State officials have a chance to signal that California is serious about keeping job creators here, not driving them out.
    Tom Manzo, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Many existing energy experts stationed in the Gulf had to evacuate their embassies, and were unlikely to easily and quickly communicate with decision-makers.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The United Kingdom’s Royal Navy annexed the island and stationed a garrison on Tristan in 1816.
    NPR, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • He’s also been beloved by his organizations, was named the Rockets’ captain this year and has always been in good favor with Hockey Canada.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • William Chan said his dog, a 7-year-old Shih Tzu-Yorkshire Terrier mix named Rocky, got loose Sunday, running outside their Clifton home.
    Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Both menus also come with special wellness sections for health-minded travelers, listing calorie and allergen content from dishes teeming with local produce and proteins in their purest forms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The company behind platinum-selling artists, including Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, was listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange in 2021 with an initial valuation of 46 billion euros.
    April Roach, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In drills, Taiwan has rehearsed repelling a seaborne assault with drones, fast patrol craft, mobile Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles and Marine Corps teams.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • During the chase, a deputy got out of his patrol vehicle to try to deploy stop sticks in the truck's path, but the driver rammed the deputy's vehicle.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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