entire 1 of 2

entire

2 of 2

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
But struggles from the typically trustworthy Luke Weaver and the inconsistent Ian Hamilton — on top trouble from the entire relief crew during an embarrassing four-game sweep in Toronto this week — showed that the Yankees will have to add more people to get through it. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 July 2025 Moreover, resist the temptation to cut investments in divisions that build resilience for the entire company and/or bring accountability to the organization. Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 Separate lenses focus each projection from one of these star maps to fill the entire dome with about 5,000 stars. Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025 The entire vessel then caught fire and was burning for some time. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Last Sunday, the historically Black all-male college where Hubert was a rising sophomore awarded him a posthumous Bachelor of Arts degree in religion.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
  • Also while at Kansas, Townsend has coached 13 NBA Draft lottery selections, more than 30 overall NBA draftees and 70 all-Big 12 Jayhawks.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The whole structure could even be rotated to simulate the motion of the stars.
    Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025
  • The whole house turned on Frankie and was against him.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • This can be as simple as turning to your partner and giving them your undivided attention for a few minutes.
    Phil Stark, CNBC, 10 June 2025
  • But now more than ever, Cubs fans seem to be video board watching, giving their undivided attention to the left field video board erected 10 years ago during the Project 1060 renovation.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Now, fans only need to wait until July 25 to get their hands on the complete EP.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Once complete, it is supposed to house up to 3,000 detainees a day at a cost of $450 million a year.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Adverb
  • Paneer Masala Fries At Roots Indian Bistro in Los Angeles, a bold reimagining of California’s beloved animal-style fries, featuring perfectly crispy golden fries topped with generous chunks of creamy paneer cheese and marinated in an aromatic masala blend.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Caramel and banana complement each other perfectly in this recipe submitted by Southern Living reader Mary Vail-Grube.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • That's a change from the current limit, which amounts to the total cost of attendance minus any student aid an individual receives.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • As for Legends Never Die, Juice’s first posthumous album and third overall LP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in July 2020 with 497,000 total album units earned.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 July 2025
Adverb
  • Rounding out the trio is the Circadian Cream Overnight Collagen Seal ($135), a rich overnight mask that doesn’t fully absorb—by design—so skin wakes up still visibly moisturized and refreshed.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • February 2025 The World: The full moon in your sign on February 12 marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, inviting you to step into a version of yourself that’s fully aligned with your truth.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The kitchen and community table, where breakfast is served, is available for guests to use at their leisure with full access to the fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • For full ticketing details, visit frontiertouring.com/kelseaballerini.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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