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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

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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
The co-founder of Sun Microsystems and a prominent VC investor, Khosla recently submitted a letter of intent as part of the process, said the people, who were granted anonymity because the details are private. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 7 May 2026 The rooms The two-floor property has 60 rooms, all recently renovated and designed with attention to detail in the places that matter. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Verb
Customer support, spare parts and service across the US is currently detailed, but expect this to expand now that shipping regions have broadened. New Atlas, 8 May 2026 The shelter’s veterinarian detailed a plan for the shelter to follow for medical cases to prevent future violations related to the care of sick animals, the letter noted. Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
Noun
  • Now imagine moving millions of items, each of them delicate, unique, priceless and old.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • When occupancy is lower, the evening happy hour takes place in the lobby lounge, but does not skimp on the buffet spread of hot and cold items, enough for dinner for many people.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • With Balanchine—whose brush with Bradley came after his precocious beginnings with the Ballets Russes but before his immigration to America and eventual founding of New York City Ballet—Footer pushes hard on not much more than the fact that the two choreographers shared dancers and proclivities.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • But Imai is both, a fact the Astros must face head-on.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • This wonderful, glorious detachment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
  • If The House is Burning captured the joie de vivre of reclaiming your life after years of disassociation and detachment, IT’S BEEN AWFUL depicts the excruciating process of living with your eyes wide open, of holding up the mirror to your face and not looking away.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, Pitchfork, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • His dad, inspired by Barker, recently quit his job as a psychiatric nurse practitioner to become a full-time screenwriter.
    Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The anchor was there to do a job and was being as professional as can be, and that wasn't necessarily reciprocated.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Still, Mercury’s square to Pluto on May 5 — especially with Pluto stationing retrograde the next day — could expose toxic workplace dynamics, power struggles or outdated professional ambitions that need to be re-evaluated.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
  • This aerial view shows a boat heading toward the port from the cruise ship MV Hondius, stationed off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 6, 2026.
    Barbara Booth, CNBC, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The right-back was likely to feature in coach Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, which is being named on May 22, but the door has now creaked open for one of his rivals for that position — and specifically Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Around a century ago, in New York, a white starlet named Irene Delroy got a hot tip from her maid, who was Black.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Businessman and real estate agent Dan Thornberg has an intriguing sales pitch for a house he’s just listed.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Department web pages list program outcomes—syllabi often will list the specific learning outcomes.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Rhiannon Marie Rodriguez, 44 of Leavenworth, died in the crash on southbound Interstate 35 at Lone Elm Road in Olathe, according to the highway patrol’s initial crash log.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026
  • Forestry Commission officials cautioned that fuel conditions remain extremely dry, and crews are still actively engaged in patrol, suppression and mop-up operations on both fires.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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