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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
But Terrifier 2 mostly uses those details as pillars to prop up one surreal, splattery set piece after another. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025 This interview contains major details for Sorry, Baby. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
As Sportico has detailed, many of these cases have come up short, including because courts have found the VPPA concerns information that would be decipherable to an ordinary person—like a list of videos someone watched—whereas interpretation of cookies requires technology and expertise. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025 The second step, criminalizing all criticism, hardly needs detailing; most of the leading democratic dissidents, including in Poland, spent time in prison. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
Noun
  • This version is designed with multiple compartments underneath to keep remotes, books, and more items organized.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The slim pouches stash easily in personal items or even in toiletry bags.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, this team found that even after the light from Type Ia supernovas was standardized, Type Ia supernovas from populations of younger stars were fainter than those belonging to older stellar populations.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • In fact, the Cubs have never handed out a free agency deal worth over $200 million.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This début novel chronicles a young woman’s unravelling with ethnographic detachment.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • There’s often an arch detachment where the singer tries to pretend as though they haven’t actually been poisoned by being online themselves.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Duffy had been angling to hold on to the NASA job, according to media reports.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Ausberry was promoted to the interim job in Woodward’s place, and the board gave him the authority to lead the coaching hire.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Chen, a staff sergeant who served in the Armored Corps, had been stationed at the Gaza border on October 7.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Add Saturn stationing direct in Pisces and the first quarter moon for the win.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The Philippines is no stranger to typhoons and Kalmaegi made landfall as the equivalent of a category 2 hurricane – the 20th named storm to impact the country this year, according to local officials.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Two tipsters had told Carpenter that a man named Don Miller had stolen human remains and burial pieces from Native American graves along with other cultural artifacts from around the world.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Austin Reaves, who also missed Monday’s game, is listed as questionable, while LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Adou Thiero, and Gabe Vincent remain out.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In 2004, Mary Cheney worked on her father's reelection campaign, according to a bio on Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy website, which listed her as an advisory board member.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Stars and Stripes reported that the aircraft carrier, which returned to its home port on October 18, resumed its patrol.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In one of many disagreements, the FOP criticized Jennings for not allowing patrol officers to wear outer carrier vests.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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