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 The items, many intentionally damaged, suggest displays of wealth and power by the region’s elites. Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025 The partners’ favorite items in the collection hint at the elasticity of their vision. Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025 Hoarding disorder is a psychiatric condition defined by urges to save items and difficulty discarding current possessions. Mary E. Dozier, CNN, 16 Mar. 2025 This location is said to be in place for at least a year, with menu items rotating and changing as Netflix’s lineup grows. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for item
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • And also, thinking about thousands of others going through the same thing.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After the couple’s patient died, the last thing that Teddy wanted to do was discuss the fact that Owen had slept with someone else.
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For more information and to register, visit apld.org/international-landscape-design-conference.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Visit here for information on how to watch the film.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • All of this stuff goes back to last year’s legal challenge against the legality of the Premier League’s APT regulations, which was, legally, entirely separate to the ongoing saga related to the 130 charges against City.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Scientists study how astronauts use and store stuff in space While Vanguard-1 went silent in May 1964, Raynor said that since that time, the satellite's 133-minute orbit has been tracked by a network of optical space surveillance sensors and continues to be of scientific interest to this day.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Kennedy, who was spotted doing a walk-through at the home this week with his security detail's vehicles parked outside, will live in the same neighborhood as the woman whose mother sold Mar-a-Lago to Donald Trump in 1985.
    Carol Ross Joynt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The brass hardware gives it a hint of an edge to balance out the rustic wood, while the scalloped details on the doors adds some whimsy to the mix.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Contact the developer for more info on available residences.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Expect food, music, dance, live wrestling, a car show and plenty of family activities on Cesar Chavez Street and Clinton Avenue on either side of Parque Castillo; 149 Cesar Chavez St. More info at stpaulwestsidefiestas.com.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Judges in both cases are now working through the particulars, but legal experts say that either scenario has troubling implications.
    Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The Ukrainian troops' statements come after President Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to meet on Friday to discuss the particulars of the rare earths deal.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Our goal this episode was ending certain stories in climactic ways, yet building a platform for the show to leap off.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dennis Schröder, Caris LeVert, Larry Nance Jr. and Moe Wagner are among the other free agents who could make a difference in the right role, even though none possess superstar upside at this point in their respective careers.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Malik Monk returned to score 16 points after missing the past three games due to illness.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

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