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

New details emerge in investigation of Hayden Panettiere’s death. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement Monday provided little detail and did not name which countries could face secondary sanctions. — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Verb

As always when talking about cutting spending, no one ever begins to detail enough spending cuts to make a dent in our deficits. — Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Several independent monitor reports, which the Hartford Courant also obtained through a Freedom of Information request, detailed continued staffing shortages, worker injuries and a lack of maintenance in the facility. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing detail

• in detail