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

The power to the whole park has shut down for hours at a time, sometimes several times a day, with temperatures in the hundreds. — Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026

Kirby Goidel, the Texas A&M political science professor who helps direct the Texas Pulse poll, draws a distinction that frames the whole race. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Noun

By 16 August, fire and rescue services in England and Wales had been called to 1,132 wildfires this year, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council – that’s more than the record-breaking 1,017 for the whole of last year. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Aug. 2026

Newsom has kicked off debate over far-reaching proposals that could impact Californians’ home insurance prices, utility bills and who makes their community whole when electrical equipment sparks a wildfire that sweeps into their town. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 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