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 Certain items become even more crucial in the winter when cold weather and changing road conditions can cause extra car problems. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2025 Yang said that nearly 40% of the menu’s dishes are new, with items like Taiwanese popcorn chicken, representative of the years Ming-Tsai and Andrew lived in Taiwan. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Only meet when a decision needs to be made or when it can be concluded with clear action items. Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 The material used in many everyday items, including packaging, cell phones, and clothing is impossible to avoid. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for item
Recent Examples of Synonyms for item
Noun
  • One thing, however, stood out: a heavily bandaged left wrist.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2025
  • But ignorance is also power if not knowing certain things or leaving certain things unexamined permit you to continue in your life and not be paralyzed.
    Sean Illing, Vox, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Additional information is being sought by Sigmon's lawyers about the lethal injection drug.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
  • For more information, stop by the Research and Reading Desk, or call 630-584-0076, Ext. 1.
    David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But the ballplayer stuff, that was just icing on the cake.
    Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
  • My oak trees are covered in green lichens and light green mossy stuff.
    Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Though plot details are still under wraps, the vacation horror-cum-satire series has been characterized by critics as much darker than the previous two seasons.
    Denni Hu, WWD, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The official said that talks to hammer out details for the next phase of the ceasefire have not yet begun.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The full schedule, with TV info for each game: Wednesday, Feb. 12: Canada vs. Sweden, 8 p.m. ET | U.S. TV: MAX, truTV | Canada TV: Sportsnet, TVA Thursday, Feb. 13: U.S. vs. Finland, 8 p.m. ET | U.S. TV: ESPN, ESPN+ | Canada TV: Sportsnet, TVA Saturday, Feb. 15: Finland vs. Sweden, 1 p.m.
    Sean Gentille, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
  • McGee’s not sure what classified info the Pentagon is bumping on, but the possible topics include the robot dolphins, the moon base, the counterfeit Cialis, the flesh-eating virus, or the Icelandic archer.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In contrast to the traditional media of old, narratives can now move at lightning speed, and the particulars of the story can vary widely across social media silos.
    Jonathan Levin, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
  • In the film, Fortune-Lloyd's Epstein and Leno's Sullivan sit down together to hash out the particulars of the Beatles' deal to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show — Leno can also be seen recreating the famous moment when Sullivan introduced the group to American television audiences.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Reuters This story has been updated with additional information.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025
  • This story was originally published February 23, 2025 at 12:07 AM.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While Sears, averaging 17.8 points per game, erupted for 35 points, the Tigers at times frustrated him by forcing turnovers and drawing three fouls.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2025
  • At another point, Mr. Vance seemed to ask Americans to be patient as Mr. Trump tried to follow through on campaign promises to reduce the prices of groceries and energy.
    Michael Gold, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on item

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