entire 1 of 2

Definition of entirenext

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
Upgrade Your Hardware Interior designer Laura Medicus says that updating hardware is one of the best ways to upgrade the entire look of your kitchen. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 6 May 2026 Initially aimed at Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) for wind farms and Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) for the oil industry, Vard envisions this technology eventually forming a charging infrastructure along the entire Norwegian coast. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026 As a result, the bank may temporarily freeze the entire account after receiving the levy notice. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 May 2026 Elsewhere, the entire structure is wrapped in spray foam between inner and outer surfaces, and the floors have hydronic heating to prevent what is arguably the biggest source of discomfort in homes without foundations – perpetually cold floors. Stefan Ionescu may 06, New Atlas, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • There was no doubt the big all-Japanese fight had endeared fans to both the skills and personalities of the boxers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 May 2026
  • Terrence, a high school quarterback and college wide receiver, was the AJC’s 1997 all-class player of the year.
    Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With modern technologies and census data, experts can draw districts to the millimeter with the goal of packing together or splitting up whole communities with like interests.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
  • China has looked to expand its influence across Africa and on Friday scored a soft-power win by eliminating tariffs for the whole continent — except Eswatini.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 May 2026
Adverb
  • Take the time to completely empty your golf bag.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 7 May 2026
  • The parliament of Wales, known as the Senedd, is also completely up for grabs.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • In just over 70 minutes, Daisies touches on it all, making a delectable film that deserves your undivided attention.
    Jennifer Noyes, Air Mail, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But the Stones, who were breaking out in a huge way, needed his undivided attention.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Not when the meltdown is that complete, that historic, that humiliating.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
  • Focus on what’s essential, complete one thing well, and let that steady your pace throughout the day.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Adverb
  • This ensured all the layers and corners of this massive piece of gear were perfectly sanitized.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 1 May 2026
  • That celebration — with all its intensity — perfectly encapsulated the effort of the KU defense Saturday.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • In total, five people have been confirmed to have contracted the virus while three others are suspected of being infected.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • In some cases, the income can be less than the total house payment and still qualify.
    Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Adverb
  • The music joins the casting and a too-scary third act as the only elements of this movie that don’t fully embrace its bar-lowering lack of ambition — the only elements that don’t feel pilfered from pre-existing classics.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
  • His brain must have its own glam squad, because his mind is fully made up.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on entire

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster