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 a barnburning sequence as Circe, the witch goddess from Aeaea, the actress all but transforms the energy of the entire, massive film. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026 Some families will never be the same, and entire communities will live for years with the memory of what happened. Cristina Guevara, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 That choice showed how a single fabric swap can shift the entire mood of a room. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026 The power of the video game, EA Sports, which has sensitized an entire generation. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • The ship was built in 1991 and most recently belonged to the formerly defunct but now reborn luxury line Crystal Cruises; Lindblad acquired the vessel in 2021 and decreased its capacity from 62 to 48 passengers in 26 all-suite accommodations.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • There are plenty of classics to choose from, including this rich-looking top-handle bag and this all-white shoulder bag.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • For lipedema, Power Plate points to research suggesting whole-body vibration boosts lymphatic flow, which may liquefy and drain stubborn lymph fluid, relieve swelling and ease chronic pain.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • Not just a tool but the whole toolshed, as Kat put it last week.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Adverb
  • But just like all other houses in Collins First Nation, her home was completely destroyed by the fires.
    Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Student-athletes may have to adjust to a new coach, a new culture, new expectations and sometimes a completely different philosophy.
    Timothy Baghurst, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Each year when Wimbledon rolls around, tennis fans crane their necks and watch their TV screens with undivided attention for a glance at the Royal Box, anxiously awaiting if Kate Middleton will be in attendance.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • McCart Avenue from McPherson Boulevard to Twin Leaf Drive will be constructed as a two-lane undivided road.
    Emily Holshouser July 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • But his dominance in the second quarter gave the Hawks complete separation from the Celtics.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Adverb
  • The set up is fairly basic but perfectly presentable and for families, the functionality will be much more welcome than fancy tech, especially the small balcony/patio, dining table and kitchenette in the slightly larger rooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • So, how could a raccoon, an animal that evolved over hundreds of millions of years to adapt itself perfectly to swampy forests, find such runaway success living amid the most destructive and systematically ruthless species ever to exist?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Democrat Alisa Simmons has raised roughly two-thirds of Republican incumbent Tim O’Hare in total political contributions in the Tarrannt County judge race from February to July.
    Rachel Royster July 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • That’s a total reduction of about 3 million acres in southern Utah.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026
Adverb
  • The man behind the wheel overrode driver-assistance features and fully pressed the car’s accelerator, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
    Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
  • However, they are not banded, so their activity will not be fully tracked.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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