entire 1 of 2

entire

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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
The entire crypto enforcement program at the SEC has been absolutely demolished. ABC News, 4 May 2025 Reggie's mouth appeared to be close to the size of Pearl's entire body and his paws close to the size of Pearl's head. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025 Since the camera was moving, an entire row of Apple Dancers was featured in Brisbane. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 May 2025 After hatching, the tiny insects live almost their entire lives in the web of a single spider, eating any weakened or recently deceased insects that have been caught by their host – all while adorned in a grisly collection of body parts. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • 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
  • This touchscreen laptop is big on power, but small in stature thanks to a Ryzen 7 CPU and an all-metal chassis weighing only 3.62 pounds.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And so that was my struggle throughout the whole scene — just trying not to cry.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny who will also be voting telling us the new Pope will have to face a whole new set of challenges.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kids Receiving Our Full Attention: Put away the distractions and give your kids your undivided attention.
    Joshua Becker, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • But even coming close got Tallahassee’s undivided attention.
    Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • By the time markets closed on Monday, the rebound was complete, with traders actually up from January thanks to the biggest day of gains since tariffs tanked confidence.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
  • Walt Disney World is gearing up for a fantastic summer, complete with a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, two new shows debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a slew of new activities for guests at select resorts.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 12 May 2025
Adverb
  • Not everything landed perfectly, with the writing of many of the live bits feeling like the staff are just going through the motions, but Brunson’s ability to commit to each role and work seamlessly off the cast more than made up for it.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
  • With the future of the show uncertain, the cast and crew shot the episode with a conclusion that wraps up the series perfectly.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Season 1 of The Hunting Party averaged 4.2 million total viewers (with delayed playback).
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 12 May 2025
  • The competition — which featured 17 total contestants — unfolded this past weekend, with the preliminary round taking place on Saturday, May 10 and the finals on Sunday, May 11.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 12 May 2025
Adverb
  • The seats feature fully lie-flat beds and closing doors.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The chairs fully recline and can be locked in an upright or laid back position, ensuring safety and stability.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Employees who don’t take full advantage of it are missing out on an average of $1,336 each year, which could add up to $42,855 over 20 years assuming an average annual return of 4.5%, according to Vanguard and a 2015 Financial Engines research report.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The full number of health and human services agency full-time positions would be 8,075.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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