Definition of wholenext
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whole

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noun

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

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 whole
Adjective
The firm runs the same living-money logic across whole life, term, mortgage protection, final expense, annuities, Roth conversion planning, and estate planning. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 Explore your whole life health with expert interviews, stories from real people, health innovations, research, products, and fun recommendations. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
The push westward On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met in Promontory, Utah – uniting their two tracks and making the transcontinental railroad whole. Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 The world and nature are undeniably there, so a fragment of that larger whole must absolutely be captured somewhere on film. Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whole
Adjective
  • The group has constructed more than 820 all-terrain wheelchairs; fabricated 900 orthotics and prosthetics; and distributed more than 740 hearing aids.
    Allie Torgan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The news was shared during the Academy’s annual all-members meeting on Tuesday.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The healthiest couples don’t choose between caring for themselves and caring for each other.
    Joshua Coleman, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Sardines can be part of a healthy diet, but eating them regularly isn’t likely to dramatically change the appearance or health of someone’s skin on its own.
    Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Though Sex and the City ended two entire decades ago, many of her most valuable life lessons—usually delivered via purring, zingy one-liners, either with a dirty martini in one hand or while waving a fork over brunch—feel just as relevant today.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This market cap doesn't represent total investment but the value assigned to its entire network, driven by monetary dilution, network utility (global value transfer, verifiable supply), and anticipated future demand.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In 2025, the company flew a total of 170 times (165 by Falcon 9 and five by Starship).
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The new totals come some three months since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Each spouse generally owns an undivided one-half interest in community assets.
    Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Aug. 2026
  • And that, the imperfections of both these teams, and the sense that absolutely anything could happen in Atlanta, is another reason to think that England versus Argentina — at 3pm ET (8pm BST) on Wednesday — should get your undivided attention.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Adjective
  • Her roommates, in their graying union suits, seemed happy enough with well water.
    Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • When complaint becomes habitual, one’s attention might automatically drift toward problems; the neural path is well trod.
    James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Before her full staging was complete, friends connected her with women who had early-stage breast cancer.
    Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Based on SweetNight Lab test results, the complete system delivers sleep comfort that's up to 11° cooler.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For many skywatchers, the difference between 96% and 100% will be surprisingly subtle — the complete opposite to a total solar eclipse, where a 99% eclipse bears no resemblance whatsoever to totality.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • By combining advance preparation with a timely course correction, the voyage transformed a looming weather threat into an unforgettable view of totality.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whole. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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