entire 1 of 2

entire

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word entire distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of entire are all, total, and whole. While all these words mean "including everything or everyone without exception," entire may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added.

the entire population was wiped out

How is all related to other words for entire?

All may equal whole, entire, or total.

all proceeds go to charity

When could total be used to replace entire?

The synonyms total and entire are sometimes interchangeable, but total implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered.

the total number of people present

Where would whole be a reasonable alternative to entire?

The meanings of whole and entire largely overlap; however, whole implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away.

read the whole book

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of entire
Adjective
In an interview, the mother expressed her shock and disbelief at the fact that just two weeks after her son’s death, the entire class went on a school trip as if nothing had happened. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025 This entire summer has been marked by thoughts and anxiety about whether young people, and frankly any Wisconsinites, can go out and exercise and spend time with family. Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Its exterior was designed to emulate the Sami style, and there is only one cross in the entire structure to avoid an overemphasis on Christianity. Arkansas Online, 22 Aug. 2025 The platform that controls your shopping agent controls your entire commerce relationship — discovery, decision, payment, and loyalty. Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Last Sunday, the historically Black all-male college where Hubert was a rising sophomore awarded him a posthumous Bachelor of Arts degree in religion.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
  • Also while at Kansas, Townsend has coached 13 NBA Draft lottery selections, more than 30 overall NBA draftees and 70 all-Big 12 Jayhawks.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Director Chris Columbus — of the first two Harry Potters, Mrs. Doubtfire and many others — brings his smooth deftness to the whole glossy package.
    Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The Huskies have the whole package in Hess, who is expected to be more offensive-minded this season.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Read the full Taurus Daily Horoscope Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Is your inner world calling for your undivided attention?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Whether giving someone your undivided attention or attending a meeting to support a colleague, showing up matters more than ever.
    Joseph Liu, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • According to The Wall Street Journal, the main house has five bedrooms and is complete with mountain views.
    Kaycee Sloan, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • At some point, however, Wu-Tang Clan will leave the stage together for a final time and both five-year plans will be complete.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Each bite of this classic comfort food delivers taste and textural elements that perfectly compliment each other.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • In the end, Powell managed to thread the needle perfectly and, as a result, all three major averages are rallying at least 1.5%.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Milwaukee Tool was able to cancel and recoup about $358,000, resulting in a total loss of $1.086 million.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The income growth rate for the average Gen Zer in Indy is 10.42% while the job growth rate for the total population is 2.44%.
    Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 29 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Still, the largest enterprise customers will likely take much longer to fully transition.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • But time will tell if the royal family will ever be reunited fully.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Mountaineers’ offense was on full display, and the senior was a part of the show.
    Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Arch Manning is entering his first full season as the starting quarterback for Texas, and he will be tested right away on the road against the defending national champion Buckeyes.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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