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 years prior, Jenner has celebrated her August birthday by planning lavish events, including luxury yacht excursions or renting out entire venues. Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 The nutrient cycling of the entire site might take 100 years. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 The 68-year-old also lost her husband and her son, who worked at a local hydropower plant, in the flash floods that hit the region on Wednesday, erasing entire communities. Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Just a few smart organization finds though can help keep the entire family on track for the chaos of the season. Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • The spacious, all-white kitchen has two islands, perfect for rolling out all that sourdough Swift has been baking of late.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Built on a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 chassis, fit with a 331 ci V-8, this all-aluminum two-seater features a retractable hardtop, a wraparound windshield, a Lucite steering wheel, and Liberace levels of gold-plating.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Your practical instincts are useful, Virgo, but don’t arrive with the whole plan already laminated.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • Russian forces have long targeted the strategic cities of Kostyantynivka, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk as part of a push to completely capture the Donetsk Oblast, one of the Kremlin’s key objectives in the conflict.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which was directed by Robert Zemeckis with animation overseen by Richard Williams, takes every aspect of itself, even the zany silliness of cartoons, completely seriously, while never losing sight of the fun.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Lots of undivided attention, positive reinforcement, love, affection, and pride when my kids were successful.
    Lauren Gelman, Parents, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The following morning, Greenland was still there, still demanding my undivided attention.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • The table then stows away, and the bench cushions rearrange to create a side-facing love seat positioned perfectly for viewing the drop-down projection screen just above the entryway.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • On the plus side, Ritchson and Wilson display a winning chemistry, their contrasting physicality and acting styles working perfectly for their characters.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The calculation refers to nominal total returns, combining coupon income and changes in the bond's market price.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The team was unable to protect its quarterbacks or consistently move the ball, finishing last in the NFL in total offense while allowing a league-high 64 sacks.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • By the end of that first part, Russia had invaded Ukraine, TV Rain had been fully banned, and all of Loktev’s subjects had finally left their country.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Highly reflective blinds can reduce it by around 45% when fully closed.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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