Synonyms of detail

detail 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈtāl 

1

as in item

a separate part in a list, account, or series

every detail was accounted for

Synonyms & Similar Words

• item
• thing
• stuff
• point
• particular
• article
• object
• element
• feature
• characteristic
• component
• section
• factor
• member
• piece
• portion
• ingredient
• segment
• particle
• constituent
• belonging
• division
• partition

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compound
• aggregate
• whole
• total
• sum
• entirety
• composite
• conglomerate
• summation
• totality

2

as in fact

a single piece of information

didn't leave out a single detail in his police report on the burglary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fact
• article
• specific
• element
• item
• point
• particular
• particularity
• information
• factor
• aspect
• part
• nicety
• datum
• ingredient
• circumstance
• component
• evidence
• knowledge
• member
• constituent
• facet
• exhibit
• database

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• error
• myth
• fallacy
• misconception
• inaccuracy
• falsehood
• misstatement

3

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

• detachment
• patrol
• squad
• battalion
• troop
• squadron
• platoon
• watch
• wing
• command
• regiment
• rear guard
• picket
• corps
• outpost
• sentry
• commando
• firing squad
• company
• division
• paratroops

4

as in job

a specific task with which a person or group is charged

the soldier was placed on guard detail at the border crossing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• job
• mission
• assignment
• post
• duty
• responsibility
• operation
• brief
• requirement
• business
• obligation
• work
• charge
• office
• need
• burden
• promise
• commitment
• labor
• restraint
• errand
• commission
• chore
• designation
• nomination
• appointment
• pledge
• constraint
• compulsion

detail

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to station

to assign to a place or position

once again he was detailed to guard duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• station
• post
• place
• appoint
• set
• position

2

as in to name

to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty

the new assistant was detailed to accompany the boss on the business trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

• name
• nominate
• appoint
• assign
• place
• constitute
• commission
• attach
• designate
• delegate
• choose
• create
• authorize
• crown
• select
• induct
• elect
• install
• institute
• draft
• invest
• ordain
• single (out)
• depute
• make
• vote (in)
• consecrate
• inaugurate
• deputize
• anoint
• instate
• throne
• enthrone
• handpick
• destine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dismiss
• discharge
• fire
• expel
• remove
• throw out
• overthrow
• displace
• eject
• depose
• uncrown
• evict
• unmake
• unseat
• oust
• dethrone
• blackball

3

as in to list

to specify one after another

detailed all of the reasons that the plan was a bad idea

Synonyms & Similar Words

• list
• outline
• recite
• mention
• itemize
• enumerate
• catalog
• tick (off)
• figure
• reel off
• inventory
• rehearse
• numerate
• chart
• graph
• estimate
• cite
• calculate
• tabulate
• compute
• tally
• diagram
• name
• reckon

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

Recent Examples of detail

Noun

Authorities have not revealed details about where the incidents took place. —Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026

Open shelving can elevate a kitchen’s architectural impact by allowing standout elements (such as a statement range hood, an interesting backsplash, oversized windows, or historical details) to take center stage. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026

Verb

The report details how, during the incident, mission personnel on the ground had felt overwhelmed by frequent meetings and had voiced concerns over data transparency and inclusion, with personnel outside of Boeing and NASA’s Commercial Crew Program feeling particularly excluded. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2026

This look features petite fawn spots, soft woodland hues, and barely-there detailing that feels distinctly spring-coded. —Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 19 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing detail

• in detail