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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
According to a Texas state law passed in 2015, when this happens, the state commissioner either needs to order the school district to close the failing campus or take over the entire district’s school board. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2025 Five winners will be chosen at random for one prize each from the entire pool of entrants across all three platforms. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Lopez had 7,821 The board’s two At-Large placements represent the entire county. Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025 Tight end David Njoku has spent his entire career in Cleveland since being drafted 29th overall in 2017. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Defender Caroline Castans, a junior from Flower Mound, Texas, was named to the Big 12 all-tournament team for the second straight year.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The only all-women groups to win the award in Grammy history were the Judds in 1985 and the Chicks in 1999.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This was a serious favor to extend to the son of an old friend, to take me from nowhere and propel me to the middle of that whole game.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • For many people, a whole grain sourdough provides an ideal balance—offering the fiber and nutrients of whole wheat with the digestibility and flavor benefits of fermentation.
    Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • The Mets struggled down the stretch and missed the postseason completely despite having one of the highest payrolls in the league.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Beach players stepped on the baseline three times in the first half and another, trying to avoid a shot blocker, lofted a runner completely over the backboard in the second.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And while in an era where productivity and efficiency are more top of mind than ever, Dimon insists that giving undivided attention is still the ultimate sign of respect.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In the arms race for audience’s undivided attention, both single-player and competitive games have become their own self-perpetuating ecosystems.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Foden has improved the defensive side of his game to the point that Guardiola trusts him to play a more complete role in the centre of the pitch, but going with such a fluid line-up does risk exposing City on the counter.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • And no list of holiday musts is complete without Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, one of the earliest creations of the beloved production company.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • His pass over the top of the defense was perfectly placed, allowing Flagg to catch it and do the rest.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Her accessories truly made the look, including a pair of crystal drop earrings, bowed stilettos, and a velvet bag, which perfectly matched Prince Harry’s velvety tux.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • A week after a 27-10 road win at Syracuse, North Carolina turned in a dreadful first half against Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC), gaining only 47 total yards on its way to a 3-3 halftime tie.
    Justin Williams, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Aggies put up 464 yards of total offense and held the ball for more than 35 minutes.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Obviously, injuries are playing a major factor, but will the Sabres even be able to stay afloat until the lineup is fully healthy?
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Hours later, an appeals court let the ruling to fully fund SNAP stand.
    NEAL RUBIN, Freep.com, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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