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noun

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

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 whole
Adjective
But, apart from some janky-looking special effects in the climactic sequence, the whole movie hangs together brilliantly, setting a high standard for the sequels. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025 None of the marchers expected violence because reporters–not only Martin–were there observing the whole thing, cameras rolling. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
All of these stories connect back to the Panama Papers, but don’t really add up to a coherent whole, and the tone veers all over the place from serious to comical without much precision. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025 The museum and park aim to help people appreciate the whole of Earth's history and where humans fit into it: A film depicts Earth as a 1,000-page book, one in which humans don't appear until the last sentence. Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whole
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
  • Progress and miracles of modern medicine, an active lifestyle, a positive attitude and healthy diet likely helped.
    Si Liberman, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Through programs that integrate therapeutic support with access to essential knowledge about healthy eating habits, Sheppard Pratt helps individuals not only stabilize their mental health but also build the resilience needed to thrive.
    Anna Bisogno Papa, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Bravura performances flow to the ear and eye from pretty much the entire company.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The entire structure is wrapped in a waterproof system to keep it dry.
    Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In Asia and the Rest of the World area, sales fell 21.4 percent to 52.4 million euros, accounting for 20.9 percent of the total.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The Dolphins came into free agency with one of the lowest totals in terms of cap space, and the team has had to bank on lower-end cheaper free agents like safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and offensive tackle Larry Borom.
    James Brizuela, Newsweek, 14 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
  • Crockpots are still made well, as are, in my experience anyway, the more modernized version: Instant Pots.
    Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is well and truly back.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
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
Noun
  • Western Europe and parts of West Africa will catch totality at moonset.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • During totality, the entire moon is inside Earth's umbra, turning a deep red or orange color.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Whole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whole. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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