ITEM Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

item

noun

ˈī-təm

Definition of item

as in thing

a separate part in a list, account, or series they remembered to buy all the items on their grocery list except cereal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in information

a report of recent events or facts not previously known our next item is about the blizzard blanketing the East Coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Leftover produce, meat and pantry items were divided into items that could be used next week and what could go home with staff. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026 Boxes of everyday items are carefully stacked inside a closet in a west Charlotte office building. — Charlotte Observer, 19 Sep. 2026 The category now spans high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner, waterless shampoos, dog wipes, moisturizers, fragrance mists and a growing list of luxury dog items. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026 The majority of vendors who participated chose a menu item to sell at a reduced price. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for item

Recent Examples of Synonyms for item

Noun

To speed things up, Democrats want amendment votes, most notably one that would allow college athletes to collectively bargain.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
If charged by a rhino, the wise thing to do is simply step to the right, like a matador.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of thing

Noun

The top Democrats on the House Oversight and Natural Resources Committees plus the Senate Armed Services Committee have already requested more information about Vulcan and Reelement as well as NABEP, respectively.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
The man's family has struggled to get any information from the hospital about his status or location, Lincoln-Goldfinch said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of information

Noun

We’re known for being on time, knowing our stuff, not being crazy to work with.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Sep. 2026
That’s me communicating when stuff isn’t right, and communicating when stuff is right, and making sure that his confidence is still there, just continuing to get better.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

This is not easy for Robin (Griffin), who, judging by his nervously twitching legs and tendency to info-dump on interlocutors, finds ordinary interactions very stressful.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
In addition to general info, Siri AI can pull from personal context to answer questions and build on past responses.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of info

Noun

Harbaugh said the team would reveal details and a time frame in due time after the evaluation is complete.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Whatever to the silly old poem and whatever to the ceremony and all its stupid little details and whatever to all the rules for daughters.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of detail

Noun

Makary's time at the agency was defined by scientific disputes, leadership changes and a string of media stories detailing low morale and internal dysfunction among staffers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
There’s a story there, a complicated and disturbing one, but the new Netflix film Unabomber won’t be the one to give it to us.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of story

Noun

Now there will be an opportunity to build such a complex once again, if all of the particulars can be agreed upon.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026
West Virginia's social studies standards require instruction about 9/11 and its aftermath in sixth grade, eighth grade and high school, with particulars spelled out at each level.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of particular

Browse Nearby Words

itchy

item

itemization

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“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of item

noun

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