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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
Plot details for the sequel are still under wraps, though Frankel and McKenna told EW in a 2021 oral history celebrating the original film's 15th birthday that a potential continuation wouldn't be easy to make. EW.com, 21 July 2025 Drew Pearce wrote the script, with plot details being kept under wraps, following a previous draft written by Wes Tooke and Justin Britt-Gibson, which was based on the 1968 original film starring Steve McQueen. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 21 July 2025
Verb
AllHipHop obtained court documents detailing that the estate of the late Voletta Wallace, Biggie’s mother, is suing the 52-year-old singer for allegedly keeping the trust’s portion of the huge catalog sale. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 July 2025 In the museum’s archive are articles detailing how Black babies, referred to by the slur pickaninnies, were used as bait to lure and kill Florida alligator. Miami Herald, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
Noun
  • Minor League Baseball teams are known for getting creative with their food options each summer, as fans flock to the ballpark to try new—and sometimes strange—menu items.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • What clothing items are eligible during tax-free weekend?
    Alaina Morris, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Kamut 10 grams per cup cooked Like farro, kamut is a type of wheat; in fact, the term kamut is the ancient Egyptian word for it.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • In fact, Android is becoming a bit more like Chrome OS with the addition of desktop multitasking support, which will roll out in the coming months.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The subreddit lit up with theories: a flex, a trauma response, a signal of total emotional detachment.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • For example, the group is one of a handful of the Illinois region’s 40 detachments that have formed a partnership with Scouting.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • One difference with the rise of AI that the technology excels at job functions typically associated with white-collar work.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • Photograph: Amazon Chi Original Ceramic Flat Iron $100 $46 (54% off) Amazon $100 Ulta Like a Honda Accord, this no-frills Chi straightener is reliable, timeless, and gets the job done—now just $50.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Sweden and the United Kingdom currently have a rotation of fighter jets stationed in Poland as part of NATO's air policing mission.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
  • His viral videos include a retelling of his experience in Normandy on D-Day, stories about their family history and other details about Jake's time stationed in Northern Ireland during WWII.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Atrium Ljungberg, White Arkitekter The first part of the development, a residential area of 80 apartments named Kvarter 7, will be completed by the end of 2025, while White Arkitekter is working on designs for Sickla’s first office block.
    Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • Jeffrey Ragsdale, the former head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, was removed from his post earlier this year, according to the Washington Post, and the office's website does not name a current leader.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • He was listed as the No. 28 prospect for the draft by MLB.com.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Today, Spann is listed at -210, while Brzeski comes in at +180.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • By the end of 2017, body cameras — a tool for both accountability and investigation — were in use for all Chicago Police Department patrol officers, which allows jurors and courtroom observers to watch, to some extent, a police shooting unfold.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • However, that claim could not be verified, with the judge ruling that the animal patrol officer did not adequately look to see if food and water were provided and if the horses were properly fenced on the property while performing a welfare check on May 7, according to court records.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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