• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

[2] aloof, antisocial, cold, cool, distant, frosty, remote, standoffish, unsociable—more at COOL

de·tach·ment noun 1 : SEPARATION

2 : the dispatching of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body for special service; also : the portion so dispatched

3 : a small permanent military unit of special composition

4 : indifference to worldly concerns : ALOOFNESS

5 : freedom from bias or prejudice : IMPARTIALITY

Synonyms

disinterestedness, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity; also fairness; apathy, indifference, unconcern; broad-mindedness, tolerance

Antonyms

bias, favor, favoritism, partiality, partisanship, prejudice

1detail noun [ORIGIN: F détail, fr. OF detail slice, piece, fr. detaillier to cut in pieces, fr. taillier to cut]

1 : a dealing with something item by item

2 : a part of a whole

3 : selection (as of soldiers) for special duty; also : the persons thus selected

Synonyms

fact, particular, point—more at FACT

2detail verb 1 : to report minutely and distinctly

2 : to assign to a special duty

Synonyms

[1] enumerate, itemize, list, numerate, rehearse, tick—more at ENUMERATE

[2] appoint, assign, attach, commission, constitute, designate, name—more at APPOINT

de·tailed adjective : marked by abundant detail

Synonyms

circumstantial, elaborate, full, minute, thorough; also enumerated, itemized, listed; delineated, specific, specified; abundant, copious; comprehensive, exhausting, exhaustive, thoroughgoing; accurate, exact, precise; complete, entire, replete; distinct, explicit, precise, sharp; inclusive, mapped (out); descriptive, graphic, picturesque, vivid

Antonyms

compendious, summary

complex, complicated, elaborate, fancy, intricate, involved, sophisticated—more at ELABORATE

de·tail·ing noun : the meticulous cleaning and refurbishing of an automobile

de·tain verb 1 : to hold in or as if in custody

2 : STOP, DELAY

de·tect verb : to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of

— de·tec·tor noun

Synonyms

ascertain, descry, determine, dig, discover, find, find out, get, hit, hunt, learn, locate, run down, scout, track—more at FIND

de·tect·able adjective : capable of being detected

Synonyms

appreciable, discernible, distinguishable, palpable, perceptible, sensible—more at PERCEPTIBLE

de·tec·tion noun : the act of detecting

Synonyms

discovery, finding—more at DISCOVERY

1detective adjective 1 : fitted or used for detection

2 : of or relating to detectives

2detective noun : a person employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or getting information that is not readily accessible

Synonyms

investigator, operative, shadow, sleuth, tail

dé·tente or de·tente noun [ORIGIN: F]

: a relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)

de·ten·tion noun 1 : the act or fact of detaining : CONFINEMENT; especially : a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court

2 : a forced delay

de·ter verb de·terred; de·ter·ring [ORIGIN: L deterrēre, fr. terrēre to frighten]

1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting (as by fear)

2 : INHIBIT

Synonyms

discourage, dissuade, inhibit—more at DISCOURAGE

de·ter·gent noun : a cleansing agent; especially : a chemical product similar to soap in its cleaning ability

Synonyms

cleaner, soap—more at CLEANER

de·te·ri·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing : to make or become worse in quality or condition

Synonyms

decay, decline, degenerate, descend, ebb, rot, sink, worsen; also recede, wane; decompose, degrade, disintegrate; sour, spoil; lessen, lower, reduce; debilitate, undermine, weaken

Antonyms

ameliorate, improve, meliorate

de·te·ri·o·ra·tion noun : the action or process of deteriorating

Synonyms

decay, declension, decline, degeneration, descent, enfeeblement—more at DECLINE

de·ter·min·able adjective : capable of being determined; especially : ASCERTAINABLE

de·ter·mi·nant noun 1 : something that determines or conditions