Synonym Chooser

How does the noun item contrast with its synonyms?

The words detail and particular are common synonyms of item. While all three words mean "one of the distinct parts of a whole," 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 detail be a better fit than item?

The synonyms detail and item are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would particular be a good substitute for item?

Although the words particular and item have much in common, particular stresses the smallness, singleness, and especially the concreteness of a detail or item.

a description that included few particulars

Examples 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 item Many holiday items, such as non-metallic wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and beverage containers, can be placed in your recycling bin. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 The mascot would no longer be subject to Disney’s trademark restrictions, though the entertainment behemoth would still receive royalty payments for items sold featuring the mark. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 31 Dec. 2024 Department stores struggled as buyers shopped online or at cheaper chains like H&M. Residents also moved away from buying furniture or investing in expensive renovations, opting to refresh their homes with inexpensive items such as frames and candles. Anne D’innocenzio and Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 From money-saving press-on nail kits to time-cutting cordless vacuum cleaners, these items made our lives better this year, including Eyebuydirect frames, Spanx leggings, Kizik sneakers, Cetaphil face wash, and Caraway storage. Nicola Fumo, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for item 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • Really, what’s the wildest thing that could happen tonight?
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Since then, he’s been lining up venture-capital money for things such as fantasy chess, and launched a new app for following chess players and tournaments, called Take Take Take.
    Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Tipsters with information about this case can call the Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357.
    Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 11 Jan. 2025
  • This is relevant—but how? Second, without more information, the number of private groups suing each other is like a tale told by an idiot: full of sound and fury, but signifying not very much to the reader.
    Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Make sure to get a good sear on the beef tips in the skillet, and don't skimp on the sour cream. get the recipe 03 of 21 Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings Classic chicken 'n dumplings epitomizes quintessential Southern cuisine, combining all the good stuff in one singular bowl.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Her own childhood could have been the stuff of an Audiard movie.
    Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Full tour details can be found at www.chrisstapleton.com/tour.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In addition, a limited-edition Dior Grand Soir Automate watch features a mother-of-pearl dial and an opalescent snake with gold details.
    Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His channeling funds into fine-tuning SpaceX’s astro-gear, which features futuristic helmets with instrument readings and other info digitally projected onto golden-colored visors, is only a small part of Isaacman’s incredible philanthropy.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Get more info from the American Liver Foundation, liverfoundation.org.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Yet, now able to stay anonymous due to Judge Torres’ December 26 ruling, Jane Doe and her lawyer Buzbee insist the overall allegations in her action are true, despite some of the particulars not being totally buttoned up.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Image In the studio, musicians and producers still work hard on the audio particulars of songs: beat, melody, arrangement, texture, vocals, ideas, emotions.
    Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Still, all the experts interviewed for this story agreed that a cycle of stadium-building every three or four decades is not sustainable for American cities, even those with growing markets such as Denver.
    Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2025
  • This story was originally published January 6, 2025, 8:28 AM.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • During this window, the radiant point below the Big Dipper between the constellations Boötes and Draco will be well-positioned in the northeastern sky.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • At that point, the moles could see in dim light, and perhaps still came above ground at night.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 2 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near item

Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

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