detailed
Americanadjective
-
having many details.
a detailed problem.
- Synonyms:
- complicated, complex, involved
-
thorough in the treatment of details; minute.
a detailed report.
- Synonyms:
- comprehensive, thorough, exhaustive
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of detailed
Explanation
Use the adjective detailed when you're talking about something that's full of specific points or facts. A detailed weather report includes temperature, cloud cover, and the possibility of rain. Something that's detailed is focused on the fine points or small aspects — a detailed portrait of your grandmother includes every wisp of hair and subtle shade of skin. Detailed explanations take some time, because the person doing the explaining isn't leaving any detail out. The literal Old French meaning of the noun detail is "a cutting in pieces," and it's used to mean "small piece or quantity."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Matos detailed his list of priorities when he replaced Alan Sheehan at Swansea.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
He shared radio frequencies, troop locations and detailed battle planning.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
An unusually detailed examination of an Alzheimer's patient's brain has revealed striking differences between regions where treatment successfully removed harmful amyloid plaques and areas where those plaques remained.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026
Monáe’s previous spooky looks have run the gamut from a Jim Carrey-inspired take on the Grinch to an incredibly detailed version of E.T.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026
Roosevelt’s notebook became filled with detailed descriptions of the physical characteristics and habits of the wildlife he observed.
From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
