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
Jeremy Swayman was the first of the Bruins’ two American gold medalists to arrive back at practice in Brighton on Wednesday, his voice a bit raspy from a two-day celebration but his spirits still on a high from the entire Olympic experience in Italy. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026 The entire collection of materials and furniture were removed from the building, and the flooring was also pulled out. Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026 Many medical professionals have questioned whether Means is qualified to become America’s top doctor, with the authority to issue health warnings and advisories for the entire country. Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026 While talking about his family in a piece for The Guardian, Short recalled how their bond was cemented for his entire life. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Supervising sound editor Laia Casanovas, re-recording mixer Yasmina Praderas and production sound mixer Amanda Villavieja are the first all-women sound team to be nominated.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The all-Arab creative team was a deliberate choice.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The whole mountain rumbles when an avalanche rolls off it.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • So if a whole section of inventory is suddenly discounted?
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Trump wants Iran to completely halt its enrichment of uranium and roll back both its long-range missile program and its support for regional armed groups.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
  • When that might happen is highly uncertain, and completely up to Guthrie, given this month’s agonizing and all-consuming search for her mother Nancy.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Offer it your time and undivided attention.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Several staff members and students also spoke to Allen’s willingness to engage with them personally and give her undivided attention.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Wellness travelers, style mavens and creative types, will love the hotel’s spa-like vibe (not to mention its actual, 25,000-square-foot spa, complete with a spacious gym and indoor heated pool), contemporary design, and attention to detail.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Rivera’s cousin, Shyann Camacho, 26, told the Daily News that the killing came as a complete shock.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • However, what is clear is that Bessette-Kennedy’s simple band perfectly encapsulated her style.
    Emily Chan, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Lots of people across the Chicago area complained about smelling smoke in the air on Thursday, and there was a perfectly good explanation.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • One Minnesota federal prosecutor last summer estimated that the total fraud across several programs could exceed $9 billion.
    STEVE KARNOWSKI THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
  • That takes the party’s total number of seats in the House of Commons to five out of 650.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The separate Disability Insurance Trust Fund is fully funded through at least 2099, the agency reports.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026
  • This prominent man, revered by generations of Americans, had never fully cashed in on his fame like so many others did.
    Rick Davis, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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