entire 1 of 2

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 1983, New Line Cinema took distribution rights for the entire franchise via nine movies, minting more than $252 million worldwide. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026 But if that person can’t afford to buy their friend’s share, you might be forced to sell the entire property. Clio Chang, Curbed, 4 Feb. 2026 In a league where players get moved all the time, Green is appreciative of only playing for one team his entire career. Nick Friedell, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Antetokounmpo, who is in his 13th NBA season, has spent his entire NBA career with the Bucks. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • This is the first all-women class getting certified in forklifting at the Cook County jail.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The school district completed a $7 million renovation to the 90-year-old performance center at Anaheim High just in time for the annual all-school choral showcase.
    Heather McRea, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The carbohydrates from this breakfast are coming from the whole-grain toast but also the spinach and fruit.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Sidney Crosby has been under pressure his whole life.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The home’s original exterior remains largely the same, but Eldridge completely renovated the former duplex into a reception area and studio space for the photography business, then added a brand-new living space to the back.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The full-grain leather upper is completely waterproof, too.
    Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Choose one conversation, one book or one project and give it your undivided attention for at least two hours.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • What matters is prioritizing and giving each other your undivided attention.
    Amy Morin, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Jesse Minter’s first Baltimore Ravens coaching staff is not complete.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and electrified, EMB systems are emerging as a cornerstone of next-generation braking, widely viewed by engineers as one of the most advanced and complete solutions for how cars should stop.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • McDonald’s has kind of been able to, not perfectly, but steer clear of some of those viral politicization almost on accident in both of those cases.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The neighborhood/area Hotel Jerome is perfectly positioned in the heart of downtown Aspen.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Garrett added 60 total tackles, tying a career high.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Some economists suggested last week's rise could be statistical noise, and the total number remains relatively low compared with history.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Bad Bunny singing at the Super Bowl means bringing Spanish-language songs, fully charged with references to Latino culture, to the biggest stage of American TV.
    Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • One of The Kid’s classmates slipped through an inflatable ring in my pool, and her mom had to jump in, fully clothed, after her, but that near mishap only seemed to bring our group closer together.
    Jen Wang, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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