WHOLE Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'whole' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of whole are all , entire , and total . While all these words mean "including everything or everyone without exception," whole implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away. // read the whole book

Q: How is 'all' related to other words for 'whole'?

All may equal whole , entire , or total . // all proceeds go to charity

Q: When could 'entire' be used to replace 'whole'?

The words entire and whole are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entire may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added. // the entire population was wiped out

Q: When would 'total' be a good substitute for 'whole'?

While in some cases nearly identical to whole , total implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered. // the total number of people present

whole 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhōl

Definition of whole next

as in all

not divided or scattered among several areas of interest or concern you'll need to put your whole effort into this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor whole and happy again after months of recuperation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in entire

not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it the puzzle isn't quite whole, but close enough

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whole

2 of 2

noun

as in total

a complete amount of something the landlord eventually refunded the whole of our deposit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word whole distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of whole are all, entire, and total. While all these words mean "including everything or everyone without exception," whole implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away.

read the whole book

How is all related to other words for whole?

All may equal whole, entire, or total.

all proceeds go to charity

When could entire be used to replace whole?

The words entire and whole are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entire may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added.

the entire population was wiped out

When would total be a good substitute for whole?

While in some cases nearly identical to whole, total implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered.

the total number of people present

Examples 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 whole

Adjective

Bring the whole pan to the table to serve, along with rice, soup and pickles. —

The Week Uk, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024 Here’s more information on reaching our whole team. —

ProPublica, 7 Nov. 2024

Noun

The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, as each modality has its own strengths, which reflect onto the others. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 Being proficient in the core academics is just one piece of a larger whole. —

Pioneer Press Elections Team, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whole

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whole

Adjective

Former President Donald Trump will do a Fox News town hall next week focused on issues impacting women, before an all-female audience, the network said.

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2024
President Joe Biden and Democrats nationally have moved swiftly to highlight the ruling, made by an all-Republican court, as evidence of Republicans overstepping on reproductive health care.

Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024