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

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 Frost cloth is a good option, but household items like old sheets, pillowcases and towels can also help protect plants overnight. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 From an operational standpoint, the assignment involved carefully moving large and unique items. — Kenneth Coffey, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Still, 156 items suggested that my productivity system had developed career ambitions of its own. — Morissa Schwartz, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 Neither item is currently listed on the expansive 100-plus-item Kelly Clarkson Home collection on the Wayfair site. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for item

Recent Examples of Synonyms for item

Noun

The property is debuting as a member of Leading Hotels of the World, ushering in a new era of luxury for the area, and proving that, yes, chic and fabulous things can happen on either side of the Intracoastal.

— Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Flashing back to that traumatic experience, Rainbeau goes through every single thing Rosa needs to do before clocking off.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of thing

Noun

Spray bottle on bottom shelf of main prep table lacking label information.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of information

Noun

Even the stuff from the best Japanese markets (and a few chain sushi restaurants) will supply that familiar whiff to varying degrees.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, Kate and Hal are mostly enjoying an interlude that Hal thinks is purely romantic, with a bit of work stuff sprinkled on top, and which Kate has designed as more of a half-and-half experience.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

Some movements feel unnatural, facial expressions are exaggerated, and small details occasionally fall into the uncanny valley or break rules of logical consistency.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
The collection mixes authentic OshKosh details like denim and hickory stripe, reimagined with signature Sergio Hudson design elements.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of detail

Noun

After the boutique’s statement, Clarkson doubled down on her claims on her Instagram stories with photos featuring a price tag on the bird that contradicted the shop’s first statement.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Some economists, including researchers at the Minneapolis Fed, argue the data don’t tell such a clean story.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of story

Noun

But after Gouken’s tragic murder — the particulars will eventually be revealed in flashbacks — Ken and Ryu went their separate ways, Ken never forgiving Ryu for failing to save Gouken’s life.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
His laserlike focus on the particulars of the story doesn’t leave much room for extrapolation; even the infuriating case of bureaucratic overreach that the film depicts can easily be understood, and perhaps even defended, as an aberration.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of particular

Browse Nearby Words

itchy

item

itemization

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Item.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/item. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of item

noun

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