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 structure is wrapped in a waterproof system to keep it dry. Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025 Out of the entire cast, Coolidge was most surprised by Murray’s turn as the violent Leftie. Matt Minton, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 So there is an entire universe of dressing a man from head to toe. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025 Below is the entire schedule for the NCAA tournament games in 2025. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 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
  • As a general rule of thumb, 300-500 square inches will comfortably accommodate a whole brisket, pork shoulder, a full rack of baby back ribs, or about 20 quarter-pound burgers.
    Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The site has massive deals on hiking and camping gear, including tents for the whole family, comfortable hiking boots, camping chairs, and more.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Este Medical believes every patient deserves undivided attention, expert care, and results that speak for themselves.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Give your undivided attention when engaging with others.
    Bala Sathyanarayanan, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Winter Soldier and Black Widow are the only members who aren't complete newcomers to the team.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This prevents anyone, including law enforcement at international borders, from accessing your complete password vault.
    Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Just like in racing, where every component must be perfectly tuned, in tailoring, the fit and craftsmanship make all the difference.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Is there a movie genre more perfectly suited to the couch co-op treatment than the teen slasher?
    Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In terms of total duels, Leicester have not fared much better.
    Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • For 11 of those 30 billionaire art collectors, the two days of losses from the stock market lowered their total net worth by 3 percent or more.
    Karen K. Ho for ARTnews, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • With Chase now locked up for the next few years, the Bengals are fully focused on going after a title.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • National Park Service needs at least 15% to as much as 25% more staff on the ground in order to fully meet its mandate.
    Conor Knighton, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Boston will take a slightly different approach by announcing the name in a few weeks and the full crest in the summer.
    Meg Linehan, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Check out the full collection below from the brand that topped our list of the best nonstick cookware sets.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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