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

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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 Other items on the menu include eggplant Parmesan, shrimp scampi, sauteed chicken and ribeye. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025 Instead of rushing to buy the latest trendy item, consider discussing whether these are the kinds of friends your child values. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025 The legal items ranged from the jury selection process to discovery obligations. — Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 Even retrospectives—the moments meant for honest reflection and growth—too often end as repositories of action items that never materialize into change. — Federico Imparatta, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 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
  • Certainty about tariff uncertainty U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett acknowledged that there will be more uncertainty regarding tariffs before things settle down.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Here’s where things stand and what stakeholders hope the next steps will be for regulators.
    — Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • As for tactics, dressing-room sources — who, like all those cited in this article, asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships — say players can become easily overwhelmed with information.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Students should also familiarize themselves with online resources available through the Department of Education, such as the Federal Student Aid website, which provides information on applying for aid and managing student loans.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of information
Noun
  • But extraterrestrial enthusiasts should know that this movie is about 90 percent dad stuff, and only 10 percent aliens.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025
  • He’s done stuff that’s gotten him attention that was not acting.
    — Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of stuff
Noun
  • Shoe models including Puma’s Inhale and Suede XL have both been given the 75th-anniversary special treatment—merging together the classic Puma sneaker silhouette with Formula 1 details.
    — Kanika Talwar for Footwear News, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
  • While the Hobbs deal seems pricey, the devil is always in the details.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of detail
Noun
  • However, several key info is remain up in the air — including whether or not Zendaya will reprise her role.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • For more info: British Gas The London Gasketeers Bryars & Bryars, London EDUCATION: Restoring classic cars in the classroom McPherson College, about an hour north of Wichita, Kansas, is home to the nation's first, and only, four-year automotive restoration program.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of info
Noun
  • In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia does not want to get ahead of itself and Moscow awaits contact with the U.S. about the particulars of the deal.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Then there are the particulars of the Art Deco building itself, including a whole tower’s worth of customers who live upstairs (who can take advantage of personal-shopping services, and request a staffer bring up a selection of outfits to try on before a big night) and the incomparable Red Room.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of particular
Noun
  • Source: The National Weather Service This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 1:51 PM.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This alert is in effect until 7 p.m. Source: The National Weather Service This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of story
Noun
  • Trinity keeps rolling: The Bantams, led by leading scorer Henry Vetter’s 21 points, built on a four-point halftime lead to pull away in the second.
    — Jeff Smith, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Green finished with nine points, four rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal, and Curry scored a team-high 28 points on 4-of-13 shooting from three-point range.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of point

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Cite this Entry

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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