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
When the Trump administration ordered a 90-day freeze on almost all international aid, halting the US’ entire global development network overnight, the camp hospital was forced to shut its doors, sending shock waves through the refugee community. Ivan Watson, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025 As such, the entire process was uniquely collaborative across the different teams and even with artists outside the studio. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025 Although Trump appears to have thought better of dissolving the entire office, its director can’t really succeed at fulfilling its purpose without the president’s support. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025 The federal agency that has the most power over Tesla — and the entire automobile industry — is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation. NHTSA sets automobile safety standards that must be met before vehicles can enter the marketplace. Kimberly Kindy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for entire 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • 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
  • Carter started all 13 games last year and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention after recording 19 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 12 total quarterback pressures.
    Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, 17 Apr. 2023
Adjective
  • The after: alone in a quiet kitchen, rinsing out wine glasses and marveling over how little the whole thing cost me.
    Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Last night, the show celebrated its premiere in Los Angeles, and the whole A-list crew turned out for the affair.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • A day when people from all walks of life set aside their differences and focus their undivided attention on the prognostication abilities of a subterranean rodent.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Being present emotionally means showing up without distractions and offering your undivided attention even during mundane moments.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The complete Shielding Suit, including jacket and pants, costs $5,290.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Fried was talking about 1978, when Guidry also had a 1.74 ERA in 35 starts, including 16 complete games and nine shutouts.
    Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • What’s at stake in individual moments is perfectly clear.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • This result is perfectly consistent with economic theory.
    The Editors, National Review, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • While the total number of positions eliminated remains unclear as of Sunday afternoon, the firings appeared to focus on employees in the agency's centers for food, medical devices and tobacco products.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The total tab of nearly $23 billion was more than double initial projections.
    John Hyatt, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • The cabinet is now charged with drafting a policy statement - a broad outline of the upcoming government’s approach and priorities - and will then need a vote of confidence from Lebanon’s parliament to be fully empowered.
    Reuters, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Thanks to the ship's mobility, the captain can adjust the location for clear skies, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience as the moon fully obscures the sun.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The full suite of tariffs sought by the Trump administration would have created notable upward pressure for already high levels of inflation, a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston released on Thursday said.
    Michael S. Derby, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Read More architecture Interior Designer Explains Every Decision Behind This SoHo Loft Renovation Today, AD welcomes interior designer Darren Jett to tour one of his most recent design projects, a full Soho loft renovation.
    Tiana Randall, Architectural Digest, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near entire

Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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