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.
A financial planner will be able to put together a detailed plan based on your lifestyle.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
The fact that prior SATs and ACTs are published as well as sample tests with detailed solutions from private test prep companies means that any student, no matter his income, can prepare.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Travolta’s directorial language is lovingly detailed, and his penchant for picturesque detail creates a leisurely atmosphere, like getting lost wandering around a happy memory.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
While the James Webb Space Telescope focuses on detailed chemical analyses of individual planets, Roman will examine broader temperature and climate patterns across thousands of worlds.
From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026
The detailed reasons for the hiatus are outside the scope of this book.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
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.
