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
Last year, Hurricane Helene wiped out entire North Carolina towns previously considered safe from that type of destruction. Laura Schifter, Time, 15 July 2025 In fact, no building in the entire town can be built over four stories tall. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025 After just a few months on the job, Bondi claimed her anti-fentanyl operations saved 258 million lives—a number that is roughly three-quarters of the entire U.S. population. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 Or harvest the fruits after the entire vine dies at the end of the season. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Last Sunday, the historically Black all-male college where Hubert was a rising sophomore awarded him a posthumous Bachelor of Arts degree in religion.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
  • Also while at Kansas, Townsend has coached 13 NBA Draft lottery selections, more than 30 overall NBA draftees and 70 all-Big 12 Jayhawks.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Was Justin Bieber pulling a long con on us this whole time?
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • By linking your biomarkers to stats that relate to your daily behaviours, the whole blood testing process can come across more useful, more actionable.
    Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • This can be as simple as turning to your partner and giving them your undivided attention for a few minutes.
    Phil Stark, CNBC, 10 June 2025
  • But now more than ever, Cubs fans seem to be video board watching, giving their undivided attention to the left field video board erected 10 years ago during the Project 1060 renovation.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Check out our complete list of the Best Prime Day TV deals for more recommendations.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • The injury was severe -- a complete break across her femur with multiple fragments.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Adverb
  • Mountains rise suddenly and everywhere, reflected perfectly in the still fjords and inlets beneath, as if replicating the Game of Thrones intro.
    Phil Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
  • Encouraging the fans in the studio to get on their feet and get into it, the quartet has the crowd clapping along to its mostly a cappella performance of the song that perfectly blends yearning, soulful singing with cowgirl attitude and acoustic twang.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • That's a change from the current limit, which amounts to the total cost of attendance minus any student aid an individual receives.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • As for Legends Never Die, Juice’s first posthumous album and third overall LP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in July 2020 with 497,000 total album units earned.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 July 2025
Adverb
  • Memorable, inventive, and fully deserving of its place on the list, this one’s for the adventurous.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Choose a pair that fully supports your foot, with no overhang at the heel, toes, or sides.2 If your sandals irritate your feet, don’t ignore that—instead, try another pair.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Thomasville is full of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture and serves as a quiet weekend retreat for lovers of architecture, gardens, and good food.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
  • On the second floor is also a full bathroom with a standing shower.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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