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
Malonga is also one of the better paint protectors in the entire tournament. Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 But so should the fact that leading on global food security means helping shape the future of the world’s entire agricultural system—something China is on a path to do. Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 Like much of Florida and the entire Caribbean, Cancún experienced significant blooms throughout 2026. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026 Calm and witty, impassioned and informed, clear-eyed yet hopeful, Gloria enthralled them — and the entire audience — for almost two hours. Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • The spacious, all-white kitchen has two islands, perfect for rolling out all that sourdough Swift has been baking of late.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Built on a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 chassis, fit with a 331 ci V-8, this all-aluminum two-seater features a retractable hardtop, a wraparound windshield, a Lucite steering wheel, and Liberace levels of gold-plating.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Tucker Kraft Day is a real thing, too, and the whole town gathered on Main Street in their Kraft gear while a drone flew overhead.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • And there’s a whole generation of girlies like me who’ve followed these ladies through our adolescence into adulthood.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • The superconductivity weakened with the screening and was eventually completely suppressed.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While Barrett suggests a whole world of lore that goes unexplored, the film’s climax is completely missing in action.
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 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
  • The hierarchy have applied a couple of touch-ups here and there, adding Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, who had an impressive World Cup up front for Morocco, but this is a near-complete team.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Lions controlled the game from start to finish, putting in one of their most complete performances of the season while keeping a dangerous San Diego side from threatening.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Part memoir, part how-to guide for heated political conversations, it’s perfectly timed for what could be one of the most expensive and most polarized midterm elections in modern history.
    Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • It's perfectly located on the eastern side of the island, close enough to walk to the restaurants and spa without a buggy, but still very private.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The calculation refers to nominal total returns, combining coupon income and changes in the bond's market price.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The team was unable to protect its quarterbacks or consistently move the ball, finishing last in the NFL in total offense while allowing a league-high 64 sacks.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • By the end of that first part, Russia had invaded Ukraine, TV Rain had been fully banned, and all of Loktev’s subjects had finally left their country.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Highly reflective blinds can reduce it by around 45% when fully closed.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster