on the whole
phrase
1
as in primarily
for the most part
On the whole I like seafood, but I won't eat oysters.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in usually
according to the usual course of things
On the whole it begins getting dark earlier as winter approaches.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
with everyone or everything taken into account at the same time
On the whole, it was a great trip.
Cite this Entry
“On the whole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on%20the%20whole. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.
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