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

Examples of entire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Book banning is an attempt to silence voices and erase entire groups of people. Anthony W. Marx, Dennis M. Walcott, TIME, 19 Oct. 2024 Closing off the 35th anniversary celebration was global merengue star Elvis Crespo, who, joined by a live band and group of dancers, had the entire venue of all ages on their feet. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2024 But an entire generation of independent country artists have seen their profiles raised from the show. Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024 The entire Buc-ee's project is estimated to cost $50 million, Chang said. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entire 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near entire

Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on entire

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