Synonyms of whole

whole 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhōl 

1

as in all

not divided or scattered among several areas of interest or concern

you'll need to put your whole effort into this project

Synonyms & Similar Words

• all
• undivided
• entire
• exclusive
• concentrated
• focused
• total
• full
• lump
• complete
• utter
• thorough
• absolute
• perfect
• intact
• comprehensive
• integral
• unbroken
• unqualified
• unadulterated
• unalloyed
• teetotal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• divided
• scattered
• partial
• incomplete
• diffuse
• fragmentary
• halfway
• deficient
• fragmental

2

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor

whole and happy again after months of recuperation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• healthy
• well
• robust
• fit
• strong
• wholesome
• sturdy
• sound
• hale
• in shape
• bouncing
• thriving
• hearty
• tough
• good
• lively
• in the pink
• active
• able-bodied
• in fine fettle
• well-conditioned
• agile
• vigorous
• hardy
• vital
• hard
• iron
• rugged
• prospering
• right
• ambulatory
• lusty
• flourishing
• stalwart
• all right
• blooming
• sprightly
• chipper
• nondisabled
• flush
• uncrippled
• clean-cut
• sprightful
• spry

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sick
• diseased
• unhealthy
• ill
• weak
• unfit
• feeble
• unsound
• ailing
• unwell
• sickly
• weakened
• enfeebled
• decrepit
• fragile
• weakly
• disabled
• delicate
• infirm
• sickened
• debilitated
• frail
• incapacitated
• run-down
• troubled
• bad
• poorly
• worn-out
• undernourished
• differently abled
• gaunt
• haggard
• malnourished
• emaciated
• afflicted

3

as in entire

not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it

the puzzle isn't quite whole, but close enough

Synonyms & Similar Words

• entire
• complete
• full
• total
• comprehensive
• perfect
• intact
• grand
• integral
• plenary
• compleat
• extensive
• uncut
• undiminished
• maximal
• unabridged
• exhaustive
• full-on
• full-scale
• all-out
• full-blown
• full-out
• full-fledged
• full-bore
• full-blooded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partial
• incomplete
• imperfect
• cut
• diminished
• reduced
• abbreviated
• abridged

whole

2 of 2

noun

as in total

a complete amount of something

the landlord eventually refunded the whole of our deposit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• total
• totality
• sum
• full
• summation
• entirety
• aggregate
• bulk
• grand total
• sum total
• the whole shebang
• the whole bit
• the whole nine yards
• the whole kit and caboodle
• gross
• completeness
• comprehensiveness
• cumulativeness
• enchilada
• mass
• schmear
• lion's share

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• net

Synonym Chooser

How is the word whole distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of whole are all, entire, and total. While all these words mean "including everything or everyone without exception," whole implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away.

read the whole book

How is all related to other words for whole?

All may equal whole, entire, or total.

all proceeds go to charity

When could entire be used to replace whole?

The words entire and whole are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entire may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added.

the entire population was wiped out

When would total be a good substitute for whole?

While in some cases nearly identical to whole, total implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered.

the total number of people present

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of whole

Adjective

See Jupiter this weekend in a whole new way, as astronomy educators and volunteers offer a free chance to view it through a telescope. —Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

His whole skull exploded into blood right in front of me. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Noun

The sport is comprised of two heavyweight conferences — the SEC and Big Ten — and two other power leagues — the Big 12 and ACC — each of which acts as its own independent fiefdom, angling for what’s primarily in the best interest of its respective members, not necessarily the greater whole. —Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026

This is essential to ensure the impartial, neutral, and independent delivery of aid throughout the whole of Gaza. —David Brennan, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing whole

• in whole
• on the whole
• the whole bit
• the whole kit and caboodle
• the whole nine yards
• the whole shebang
• whole number