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

2 of 2

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
On Tuesday, leadership shared details on Revvity’s outlook for the remainder of the year at Baird’s healthcare conference. Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026 The whistleblower report details an effort by the federal government to work around a lack of data from the states by directing Citizenship and Immigration Services employees to pose as individual voters to access their state voter records. Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
As Sportico detailed, the Clippers’ possible legal strategy is hampered by the contractual realities of owning an NBA team. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026 The massive exhibition baseball game was attended by more than 100,000 people at Texas A&M’s stadium, and Curtis interviewed attendees, Bananas players and executives, and more while detailing the live-wire contest. Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
Noun
  • Six Flags said food and other loose items are prohibited on rides because these items can create safety hazards.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The price hike for any individual item would likely be modest, but the pileup of extra costs across an array of goods could weigh on wallets, analysts previously told ABC News.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Adding to the turmoil is the fact that there’s no parliamentary majority that would support budget cuts and trim the deficit, which is near 5% of GDP—well above the European Union’s sub-3% target and a cause of additional bond market angst.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Ricki is charismatic but not otherwordly; if anything, the fact that James is able to seduce or threaten without appearing to do much at all is what makes Ricki extra formidable.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Democrats have seized on the president’s fixation on the ballroom as a symbol of vanity and detachment from the concerns of everyday Americans heading into November’s midterm elections.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Whether through psychological detachment, restorative activities like sauna, or adequate sleep, recovery protects the capacities leaders need to operate effectively.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Jeffrey Katzenberg, then a studio executive at Paramount Pictures, hand-picked the Happy Days star for the job, but at the time, Winkler had a bad feeling about accepting it.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • And Kyle was doing a great job of dialing up the right play calls.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In the early stage of the trip, the twin-engine jets headed for Alaska and passed over Greenland, where an Airbus A400M support plane capable of landing on ice was stationed.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • In February, the couple — along with most other service members stationed at the base — were moved off post in preparation for Operation Epic Fury.
    Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, quite the mouthful and named after Hawaiʻi's official state fish, is the resort's signature seafood restaurant, and a dreamy one.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The procedure came one year after the best season of his career, when he was named an All-Star.
    Jesús Cano, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Noah Grubbs and Teddy Jarrard, both 2026 signees, are listed as co-No.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Bella said legitimate resources are listed on the county’s EMA Facebook page and the left side of the county’s homepage.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Miami Gardens police found their missing K-9 who disappeared last week after running from a patrol vehicle and getting hit by a car, according to the department.
    Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
  • His more than 32-year law enforcement career has included leadership assignments in violent crimes, patrol and special investigations, and homicide and robbery investigations.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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