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
Derived 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.
While some described the former Marine as a kind and supportive partner, others detailed disturbing conduct.
From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026
This follows the foundation’s more detailed analysis earlier this year.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
Cookie, a former art student, has a secret passion: building meticulously detailed dollhouse re-creations of crime scenes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
Raman is well-versed on matters of relevance and could have pushed back against Bass in substantive, detailed ways.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
Bit by bit, the map of the brain grows more detailed and more localized.
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
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.
