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 next

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 The following items were taken from Naperville police reports and press releases. —

Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 The discussion of the split on Dec. 19 in executive session without posting an item of such special interest to the public on the agenda was a likely violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act, according to lawyers specializing in the legislation. —

Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2025 The coffee giant is now limiting app orders to just 12 items to ease barista pressure and speed up service. —

Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025 Residents can find a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items on the website. —

Noah Mitchell, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for item

Recent Examples of Synonyms for item

Noun

This was when things took a turn from par for the rap course to serious allegations with real potential consequences.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Throughout filming, things got more serious on set as people got more into the moment because the story was more serious.

— Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025