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
Tom Hamilton is probably my favorite character in the whole thing. — Max Gao, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026 The friend Jane Doe went to see that night shared a photo with the whole group appearing to show her in the bedroom. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
The researchers added land-surface data created using commercial satellite imagery and calibrated with NASA’s ICESat-2 laser altimetry to construct a 3D model of the whole of Hunga. — Yook Ji Hun, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026 The film shows how flamenco has often swallowed disruption whole only to morph itself anew. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whole
Adjective
  • Castle and McNeeley went on to win the end-of-season freshman award, while Mullins was a unanimous selection to the all-freshman team last year.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The almost all-gold collection certainly suggested a milestone moment.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • New wave of proteinmaxxing Higher protein portions are becoming the new normal as Americans search for healthier lifestyles amidst the affordability and food safety crisis.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The food is healthy, fresh, and inventive enough to persuade you to dine in for at least a couple of nights, in spite of Ubud’s strong and growing food scene.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Not single pieces of treasured family heirlooms, or even a single chair — entire suites of furniture!
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026
  • While coach Paul Maurice was unable to confirm the severity of the injury in his postgame press conference, Florida fans are especially anxious, considering an ACL tear kept Barkov out for the entire season last year.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In total, the UK spent £145 billion on benefits for working-age people and children – including incapacity and disability benefits (£77 billion); housing benefit (£37 billion); and child benefit (£13 billion).
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In total, authorities took six individuals into custody and later released them on bail during the investigation.
    — Azhar Sukri,Terri Cullen, CNBC, 4 Oct. 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
  • Rest assured, all is well with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl ring.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Her roommates, in their graying union suits, seemed happy enough with well water.
    — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Cupping treatments come in detoxifying and cellulite targeting versions, and there's a complete slate of massage, sugaring, waxing, aromatherapy, and hair and makeup options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Although Koerte believes Europe needs to develop greater AI capabilities, complete sovereignty remains a pipe dream.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Gullar had in mind something that would escape the boundary between object and context and manifest its participation in a totality of relationships—or encounters, as Lee would phrase it.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The totality of the thing is exhausting, yet as is common in durational experiences of art, meaning and unexpected contradictions emerged.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whole. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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