detail 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈtāl How to pronounce detail (audio)
Definition of detailnext
1
as in item
a separate part in a list, account, or series every detail was accounted for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fact
a single piece of information didn't leave out a single detail in his police report on the burglary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
as in job
a specific task with which a person or group is charged the soldier was placed on guard detail at the border crossing

Synonyms & Similar Words

detail

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to station
to assign to a place or position once again he was detailed to guard duty

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to name
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty the new assistant was detailed to accompany the boss on the business trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to list
to specify one after another detailed all of the reasons that the plan was a bad idea

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 conversations that moved projects forward were discussions around testing, engineering, code pathways, installation details and independent validation. — Zev Laine, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 What really sold me, however, is the style’s ruffle details, which add a feminine flair and extra elevated look. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 27 July 2026
Verb
And Tiddes details the extras in the extended director’s cut of the Paramount and Miramax film that bowed today on PVOD platforms. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 July 2026 Officials did not detail what threats were made against either facility. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for detail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detail
  1. item
  2. fact
  3. detachment
  4. job
  5. station
  6. name
  7. list
  8. patrol
Noun
  • Veterinary experts share tips on how to care for the items that come into contact with our furry companions to promote good health and stave off odors.
    — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Along with traditional options such as avocado toast, steak and eggs, and a breakfast burrito, more brunchy items, including chicken wings and a burger, are available.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of item
Noun
  • Some of the crowd’s energy Friday may have been due to the fact that training camp practices are closed this summer because of construction at the team’s practice facility in uptown Charlotte.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Fans should embrace the fact that there’s been no bad news through the first three days of practice.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • Home, intended for recovery, often becomes an extension of work, preventing crucial detachment, especially when their partners also struggle to unwind.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The South Carolina State Guard caisson detachment will carry Graham’s remains.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 22 July 2026
Definition of detachment
Noun
  • Not everyone’s job includes crawling 150 feet through a spillway pipe 20 feet beneath a lake.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The jobs span the agriculture, automotive, education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, law enforcement, real estate and retail industries, among others, according to the fair’s website.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of job
Verb
  • Dorléac was born on April 12, 1943, in Toulon, France, to an American military service member stationed with his family in Europe.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • Dorléac was born in Toulon, France, in 1943 to an American military service member stationed with his family in Europe.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 29 July 2026
Definition of station
Verb
  • Steve has traveled around the world digging up dinosaurs and, working with many international colleagues, has named more than 15 new species, including the tyrannosaur 'Pinocchio rex' (Qianzhousaurus) and the raptor Zhenyuanlong.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 31 July 2026
  • Worth said the total restoration cost has not yet been determined but that there are several non-city funding sources available to pay for the restoration, including the sale of historic tax credits, as well as naming rights.
    — Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of name
Verb
  • And the trains did not arrive at the times listed on the signs in the stations.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Commercial properties that are actively being listed for sale would be temporarily exempt as well, among other revisions.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of list
Noun
  • The man failed to comply with the deputies' orders and backed his vehicle into a patrol motorcycle.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued water safety tips Thursday after announcing the patrol has responded to 30 water fatalities in 2026, according to a news release.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of patrol

Phrases Containing detail

Browse Nearby Words

detachments
detail
detailed
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Cite this Entry

“Detail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detail. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detail

Nglish: Translation of detail for Spanish Speakers

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