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.
Its "extended look" debuted on Netflix, six hours before going live on YouTube, and was the first chance players have had to see detailed footage of the title in action.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Warsh had not yet given his colleagues on the Fed’s interest-rate committee a detailed account of how he’s reading the U.S. economy.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 27, 2026
City Controller Kenneth Mejia demanded that LA28, the private nonprofit overseeing the Games, provide more detailed reports on its finances.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
At Fed meetings, Warsh hasn’t given the committee a detailed account of how he reads the economy; some had hoped to hear more substance and fewer catchphrases by now.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
Some had very intricate and detailed geometrical shapes.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
