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
The concept is straight out of European soccer stadiums, where some clubs’ rowdiest supporters stand in a terrace behind one goal for the entire match. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Loki built an entire series around the TVA, the bureaucracy tasked with policing different timeline branches. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026 After all, the economy remains sluggish, conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on markets, and AI is reshaping entire industries almost overnight. Preston Fore, Fortune, 31 July 2026 Spanberger’s move marks a sharp contrast to the approach of her predecessor, Republican Glenn Youngkin, who restored the voting rights of fewer than 10,000 felons during his entire four years as governor. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • The Ocean Club is a smaller all-suite resort next to a private beach in Sosua, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The Australian all-female punk band Body Type is a product of the continent’s thriving, incredibly independent DIY movement, which is, sonically, one of the most distinct subcultures in the world.
    Charles Moss, SPIN, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Venezuela now faces a multi-year recovery following the twin quakes which have left whole regions of the country devastated and caused an economic hit equivalent to 6% of the country’s GDP, according to the United Nations Development Programme.
    Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The two complement each other and round out the whole experience.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • People who come here and spend the whole day leave feeling completely renewed.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The treat filled me up, cooled me down and completely satisfied my sweet tooth.
    Hali Smith August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And that, the imperfections of both these teams, and the sense that absolutely anything could happen in Atlanta, is another reason to think that England versus Argentina — at 3pm ET (8pm BST) on Wednesday — should get your undivided attention.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Flirty texts, sudden plans and unexpected confessions could make July feel exciting, but not every spark deserves your undivided attention.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The cargo vessel struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz north of Oman suffered a complete blackout, according to a report from the Marisks maritime risk management group.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Once their spring blooms are complete, Aggrey meticulously collects the seed pods from the clarkias, gilias and phacelias, processes the seeds and packages them for gifting before the subsequent spring.
    Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • Tom’s evolution from a young advisor to a cornerstone of our firm perfectly illustrates why mentorship is the lifeblood of any thriving organization.
    Corey McQuade, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • All perfectly comfortable, well-designed, if a little innocuous across the board.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Which is more valuable might depend on where AI is as a technology, according to Joe Tigay, portfolio manager for the Rational Equity Armor Fund, a fund that prioritizes total return on investment.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • In its simplest form, scientists can put a chunk of soil in a mason jar, measure how much gas is released over time, then extrapolate a total figure.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Adverb
  • Just across the sea lie North Korea, China and Russia, which all have powerful spying capacities that Japan isn’t fully equipped to fend off.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • China refused to participate in the arbitration and has not fully complied with the ruling, causing some commentators to dismiss the significance of the case.
    Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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