item

noun

ˈī-təm How to pronounce item (audio)
Definition of itemnext
1
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
2
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 Those come from manufacturers with hotel industry expertise, as the items must comply with various regulations and be durable. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 But just like at other Uchi locations, there will be a few menu items unique to our city. —Shindy Chen february 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026 A la carte items include Baja oysters, Black Hat Bakery sourdough, a daily ceviche selection and the Carter Country Regenerative Beef cheeseburger with seaweed aioli and beef tallow fries. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Tips for Using Parchment Paper in the Microwave Safe and effective, parchment paper can be used in the microwave for a variety of items. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for item
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
  1. thing
  2. information
  3. stuff
  4. detail
  5. info
  6. particular
  7. story
  8. point
Noun
  • For this Alaskan, the start of summer means one thing—time to plan a winter visit.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Consider introducing yourself to a neighbor, because your optimism is ideally positioned to start things off on the right foot.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Indiana editor.
    — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Please do not include sensitive information, like the student's grades, GPA or test scores.
    — Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of information
Noun
  • But nothing could have prepared viewers for the movie's ending, as an unfinished screenplay became the stuff of nightmares — literally and figuratively.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The way it's organized, the amount of words on a recipe website - all of that is there because people believe that the Google search algorithm will favor that stuff.
    — Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of stuff
Noun
  • For more details on the claims process or to download a claim form, visit the Hoosier Lottery Winners page or contact the customer service team at 1-800-955-6886.
    — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Authorities offer chilling new details The sheriff's office has asked the public to contact 520-351-4900 with any information or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of detail
Noun
  • Ask for more info if needed; use intuition if something feels off.
    — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The organization will host four in-person info sessions and 3 office hours to support applicants and answer any questions residents may have.
    — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of info
Noun
  • This is, to a degree, because of the particulars of the case.
    — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
  • That pivotal play is broken down by a variety of particulars on both sides.
    — Greg Rajan, Houston Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of particular
Noun
  • Besides the deceased, who appears more as a spectre in pictures, letters and memories, the men in this story take a back seat, with three generations of women at the center of the narrative.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
    — Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • Here is a selection of data points that provides a glance at Cincinnati.
    — David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The importance of motive At this point, there’s little to suggest the motive is political or ideological, Leising said.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of point

Browse Nearby Words

itchy
item
itemization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on item

Nglish: Translation of item for Spanish Speakers

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