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
In February, Spears sold the rights to her entire music catalog. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026 And there is, of course, the entire world of Windows and Linux laptops. — ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026 The Hawks pushed the pace the entire game, and their 139 points were a season-high. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026 Improvement among program users does not automatically establish improvement across the entire workforce. — Stephen Sokoler, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • In the public all-gender bathroom, there is a changing table and high chairs are available at the restaurant.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The rest of the incumbents on the nine-member, all-Democratic board were unopposed in the 2026 general election.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Their Superman hadn’t bothered to spring for the whole costume.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Panera’s Greek yogurt with mixed berries was also listed, and the chain’s ham, egg and cheese on whole-grain bread was one spot ahead of the McDonald’s Egg McMuffin.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • The 15 mm-wide blade hidden within went completely through his right eye and through his brain, with the tip of the blade hitting the top of his skull.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Like Sir Stirling’s 300 SLR, the McLaren version is completely open with no windshield or side windows—only small glass wind deflectors for driver and passenger were added to deflect the bugs.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 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
  • Lead author Samantha Gilbert-Janizek expanded the model to include those missing systems, creating a more complete picture of how chemicals move throughout a rocky planet.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • As the Moon joins Mars in Leo, creative courage may arrive before complete confidence.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Gigi Hadid broke out the trend in corduroy pants form, which is perfectly seasonal with soft and warm fabric paired with a relaxed design.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
  • On the long touchdown catch-and-run, Johnson and Mahomes worked it perfectly.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump has often pointed over the past months to historical data showing that the party holding total control of Washington tends to perform poorly in midterm elections.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • This initiative would require certain private nonprofit healthcare clinics to spend at least 90% of their annual total revenue on patient services.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Accessibility for those with mobility impairments There is wheelchair access in all of the public areas, including the spa and swimming pools, as well as two fully accessible rooms located in Building 2 (the central Bauhaus building).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Plus, people hosting small gatherings and those who don’t want to tackle a whole turkey can select smaller turkey breasts, or even fully prepared birds that just need to be warmed up.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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