Definition of entirenext

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
He was suspended again for the entire 2026 campaign after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites in the spring. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Milwaukee's bullpen has allowed just two runs in the entire postseason in almost 40 innings pitched. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 For 35 years, my entire lifetime, Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and their team at Sony Pictures Classics have made sure audiences catch the movies worth catching. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 The utility emphasized that shutoff decisions applied to specific areas and electrical lines, not entire counties. — Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Next up is a house tour, from the cavernous, all-white living room to a glimpse of the ornate indoor pool, with V lamenting that the place is so huge he sometimes gets lost.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
  • At the first all-crew meeting, Kerry warns everyone to stay vigilant.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Her interest seems to be the whole world, or at least the way her nation’s tentacles spread into it.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The directive bars brands from turning a benefit tied to one feature into an environmental claim about the whole product.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • This is a major milestone for us, but honestly, that happened completely naturally and organically.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The screen is also a pleasure to read, both with the backlight and completely unlit under natural light, with text looking sharp and even grayscale renderings of color art showing plenty of detail.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Lots of undivided attention, positive reinforcement, love, affection, and pride when my kids were successful.
    — Lauren Gelman, Parents, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The following morning, Greenland was still there, still demanding my undivided attention.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For more than 50 years, the house remained vacant, was ravaged by fire, and fell into complete disrepair.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Then again, the album’s 15-minute runtime presupposes a complete lasting impression isn’t the point.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Row’s perfectly balanced, Midas-touch accessories, to serve you a lifetime and beyond.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Years of convictions for escape, battery and weapons while in prison kept adding time to his total sentence.
    — David Fischer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Similarly, an organization should understand its total financial commitment even when payments are spread over several years.
    — Hani Assi, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • Every flashback sequence is fully animated, even though everything in the present is live-action.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
  • It's also designed to be fully and rapidly reusable, a breakthrough that SpaceX believes will revolutionize spaceflight.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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