entire 1 of 2

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
Perhaps most importantly, NASA gave hope to the entire world. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 1 Oct. 2025 That changed my entire viewpoint. Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025 Super Bowl Champions tracks the entire season of each Super Bowl-winning team since 1985, including last year’s Philadelphia Eagles. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025 Travis, who had already heard the entire album, agreed. Shannon Carlin, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Macklovich also shifted into a formal all-black tuxedo, and the wedding party donned different hues of pink for the ceremony.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The Alpha League ranks as the toughest, all-public schools league in California, according to HSratings.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Britani, who has been all too quiet this whole time, sees an opening to make it about her, and thank god for that.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The belief is that it was gifted by King Umberto, one of the last kings of Italy, to that family, and stayed in the family’s possession for that whole time.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The second planet from the sun has a completely inhospitable surface, with temperatures reaching 863 degrees Fahrenheit (462 degrees Celsius) and a crushing pressure underneath an oppressively thick atmosphere.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Use an offset spatula to spread the batter in an even layer, completely covering the fruit.
    Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a letter sent Tuesday to members of Congress, the watchdog group emphasized the need for undivided attention on resolving the funding crisis.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • On a roller coaster, the theme park commands your full and undivided attention.
    Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • New signals, crosswalks and bike infrastructure could be complete by 2026.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Why does one hard working fan have to buy seven different versions of an album instead of just having all of the songs be on one complete album?
    Bryan West, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Daria stared at the arrangement of perfectly circular reddish bruises on the woman’s back, exposed by her halter top.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • So, spending your free time on a massive project for your crush seems perfectly reasonable.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Arsenal are now winless in three matches, seven dropped points in total, more than Chelsea lost all last season, and are fifth in the table behind Tottenham Hotspur.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Dallas offense has been firing on all cylinders thus far, ranking first in the NFL in total yards per game through the first four games of the season.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • If the plates aren’t fully clean, repeat as needed.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The story of a Louisville man charged in connection to the murder of his fiancée had not fully unraveled when he was acquitted in 1991.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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