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

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 item Aluminum Foil Sheets The Dollar Tree sells aluminum foil, parchment paper, and plastic cling wrap, but my favorite kitchen item is their pre-cut aluminum foil sheets. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 June 2025 Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the property and seized a number of items. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2025 Kemp told police his car had been broken into and several items were stolen. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025 The lovebirds also shared a few items and split before the check came, letting security take care of the bill, the gossip outlet adds. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for item
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • Real Madrid is closing in on Argentina’s next big thing As reported by various outlets, Real Madrid is closing in on Mastantuono after sending a delegation to Buenos Aires last week.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sick to death of being poor, Lucy ended things with John.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • In addition to UnitedHealth Group, the lawsuit named Chief Executive Andrew Witty and Chief Financial Officer John Rex as co-defendants, alleging they were directly involved in the dissemination of misleading information to investors during the affected period.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Anyone who was on or around the summit of Katahdin between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, or has any other information regarding Esther’s whereabouts, is asked to call Houlton State Police.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Now, all the stuff is arranged and it’s printed before the first rehearsal.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025
  • Thankfully, Keller’s scripts aren’t as twee or didactic about this stuff as Lasso and Shrinking creator Bill Lawrence’s tend to be.
    Judy Berman, Time, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Read below for additional details of Second Stage’s upcoming season, with synopses provided by the theater.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 June 2025
  • The same document also faults the application for failing to provide more details on how the company will prevent its satellite from disrupting astronomy, even though AST recently reached a deal with the US National Science Foundation.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • For full details on which games and accessories are compatible, Nintendo has all the info on their website.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • Tour info Songwriters Hall of Fame Correspondent Martha Teichner meets a Lightwire Theater creature.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • On the heels of Kris disclosing the name of her surgeon, Kylie took to TikTok announcing the particulars of her most recent breast augmentation.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 4 June 2025
  • While the particulars of the deal weren’t released, the organization is breathing a sign of relief that Stafford remains on board.
    Jay Paris, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Now managed by the National Trust, the estate is open to the public, allowing visitors to step inside and experience firsthand the setting of one of literature’s most enduring love stories.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Suffering through bad relationships to finally find the ideal romantic partner is a universal story that’s understood by men and women of every age, and of every generation.
    Tom Roland, Billboard, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Espen Eckbo makes the acquisition point more rigorously.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Mayr’s evolutionary point possibly vanishes in the jump to humanlike complexity and intelligence, whereupon the whole playing field is utterly transformed.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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