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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
In recent years, April and the entire second quarter ending in June have been negative for bitcoin. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025 Although there was cloud cover across almost the entire sky, the horizon was clear to the northwest and north — and almost around the sunrise point. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Over a dozen new horror movies are dropping on Pluto, including the entire Paranormal Activity franchise (yes, even Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones), plus 30 Days of Night and its sequel 30 Days of Night: Dark Days, and the Gary Oldman-starring Bram Stoker's Dracula. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 Bravura performances flow to the ear and eye from pretty much the entire company. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • 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
  • Honigford played all 14 games (two starts) for Michigan last season, including the Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal at State Farm Stadium and was also selected as an academic All-Big Ten honoree in 2022.
    Bob McManaman, The Arizona Republic, 1 May 2023
Adjective
  • The vastness of framed white space and the comparatively minuscule labels arrest the viewer, requiring them to crane their neck, to move back and forth or close to the frame in order to read from part to part to whole while also weighing the blanks.
    Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Most importantly, the proposal provides that, when discovery items are turned over belatedly, judges can impose consequences that stop short of dismissing the whole case, if a lesser remedy can ensure fairness to the defendant.
    Jane Manning, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even with a packed schedule, carve out one-on-one time with each child and provide undivided attention.
    Friends of Karen, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Este Medical believes every patient deserves undivided attention, expert care, and results that speak for themselves.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Factoring in Cunningham working himself back into a complete All-Star, playoff-caliber level only adds weight to these games.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Engaging with this data, these states are able to create a much more complete picture of what maternal health care looks like.
    Antonio Reynoso, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Bridal clutches or small shoulder bags are hero items that be can carried post-ceremony to perfectly compliment any outfit, while also serving as an emergency carry-all.
    Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025
  • He is known for his skillful wedge game and a booming drive, but at Memorial Park, his whole game coalesced perfectly.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Four total doughnuts comprise the collection, including the Hershey's Hershey's Classic Chocolate Doughnut, the Chocolate Salted Caramel Cheesecake Doughnut, the Chocolate Buttercreme Doughnut and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Doughnut.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Move your funds into firms that have a track record of positive long-term gains and out of firms with low long-term total returns.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Flagg calmly drained both, pushing the margin back to seven — and fully out of reach.
    Brendan Marks, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Again, the exact mechanism of the pain relief caused by placebos is not fully understood.
    Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Magic already entered a full game ahead of No. 8 Atlanta (37-42) in the East standings.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Watch the full clip with Ricci and O'Brien in the video, above.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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