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

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
The entire performance is a shining spotlight on the record, which toys with the malleability of their sound and embraces unconventional approaches to an already robust sound. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025 Compared to some of the more extravagant spenders on The Forbes 400—such as Larry Ellison buying an entire Hawaiian island or Mark Zuckerberg taking over half of Palo Alto—Musk isn’t much into real estate these days. John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Bader, who had seven hits in the two wins over the Mets this week, altered the entire outfield dynamic. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 The Apple Dapple bundt cake was a huge hit with my entire family. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Without a rocket of its own, Northrop Grumman inked a contract with SpaceX for three Falcon 9 launches to carry the resupply missions until engineers could develop a new, all-domestic version of the Antares rocket.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Reaching this all-Enfield clash from central London is simple.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Charlie was the best of America, and the monster who attacked him was attacking our whole country.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The whole family opted for demure attire, with Bateman layering a chocolate brown button-down shirt over a black T-shirt, and Anka pairing a chic black vest with a slip skirt.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • This is when a bone gets knocked out of its joint either partially or completely.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Lecornu will now have to steer a budget through France’s completely fractured parliament, macro strategists at Deutsche Bank flagged Wednesday.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On a roller coaster, the theme park commands your full and undivided attention.
    Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Create intentional phone-free brainstorms or strategy sessions where attention is undivided.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Difficult Let’s do a complete walkthrough of today’s Difficult Pips.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The Pats drafted Tyquan Thornton in the second round in 2022 and cut him before his third season was complete.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Ortega kept her glam perfectly moody, with a low, messy bun, a deep plum lip, and whisper thin eyebrows.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Prettygarden One-Shoulder Formal Maxi Dress If you’re headed to a wedding this fall, don’t miss this dress that’s perfectly compact-chic—and currently 45% off.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, social media platforms drive roughly 80% of total online traffic in the country and serve as vital channels for business and communication.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • While the Broncos’ defense allowed 133 total yards, the least amount.
    Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Power is delivered through a 9-speed transmission and fully variable all-wheel drive system.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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