Definition of detailednext
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detailed

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verb

past tense of detail

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective detailed differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of detailed are circumstantial, minute, and particular. While all these words mean "dealing with a matter fully and usually point by point," detailed stresses abundance or completeness of detail.

a detailed analysis of the event

When might circumstantial be a better fit than detailed?

Although the words circumstantial and detailed have much in common, circumstantial implies fullness of detail that fixes something described in time and space.

a circumstantial account of our visit

In what contexts can minute take the place of detailed?

The words minute and detailed can be used in similar contexts, but minute implies close and searching attention to the smallest details.

a minute examination of a fossil

When could particular be used to replace detailed?

The meanings of particular and detailed largely overlap; however, particular implies a precise attention to every detail.

a particular description of the scene of the crime

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 detailed
Adjective
The Democratic Mayors Association issued guidance to local Democratic officials with detailed instructions about what to do if federal agents appear at polling locations. — Steve Peoples, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 To bolster its case, the company’s consultants had produced a series of detailed reports citing the area’s history of oil production, along with Citation’s own water testing data. — Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten detailed the decision not to pursue charges in 2024 in a lengthy statement issued after the lawsuit was filed. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026 In June 2026, the draft legislation was detailed in a Spotlight Delaware article that said the bill is likely to be introduced in the state legislature next year. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detailed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detailed
Adjective
  • As much as the latter two helped to inaugurate the era of online automotive auction houses by setting new standards for thorough listings and seller engagements, the excitement of real-time bidding in person undoubtedly bolsters values even further.
    — Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Perhaps most importantly, start the process of shopping for providers and policies now as thorough research and analysis will boost your chances of finding the most suitable policy for you and your beneficiaries.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • For the work, Harvey drew on ancient jewelry in the Met collection from Greece, India, and China, and then spent time in the Manufacture learning guillochage, a technique for engraving intricate patterns like leaves and flowers onto metal.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Here the final abode of souls redeemed by Christ in heaven is depicted as an intricate urban environment.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Then last month, Kwan appointed former Rwandan Minister of State for Infrastructure Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye as RFO’s principal of emerging markets and business development to drive investment flows between Asia and Africa.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • He was appointed by Commissioner Richard Lara to serve on the city’s charter review committee and recently resigned from the city’s planning and zoning board to run for office.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Over the course of her long career, Curtis, 67, has developed a lengthy résumé in film and television, winning numerous accolades along the way, including an Oscar and an Emmy (she’s been nominated for a Grammy too — there’s still time for an EGOT).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Even = Paweł Pawlikowski, Fatherland Having been previously nominated for Cold War, Pawlikowski comes into the season sporting a Best Director prize from Cannes for his spartan postwar travelogue.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Sguros was listed as the informant on West’s death certificate, the affidavit said, and several months after the initial death investigation, Sguros was legally authorized to release West’s remains to a cremation service business.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Lowndes listed his income at $238,153 in 2025 from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage and $7,744 as mayor of Maitland.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As of Friday morning, with a full day left to vote early in the state of Georgia, the records were already falling.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
  • James uses this potential fault as a guiding principle of his writing for the Disklavier, full of crisply interlocking ostinatos.
    — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As Kee’s graphics became too detailed and elaborate to realise in knitwear alone, Bellotti—who had long worked with designers including Giorgio Armani and Lagerfeld—was the perfect partner for transferring those designs into print.
    — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The pair have not cited a makeup artist or stylist for the look, but often dress up with their own twins in elaborate costumes for the holiday.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Google just posted two quarters of negative free cash flow for the first time on record as AI spending accelerates while revenue isn’t growing as fast as expected.
    — Lucy Bayly, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Officials posted abroad wishing to defect must dexterously evade state security officials stationed alongside them and come to peace with the fact that loved ones back home will surely be punished.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detailed. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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