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 asymmetrical hemline of the sweater is right on trend and makes the whole look feel much more intentional, while the slouchy silhouette still looks polished enough for a coffee run after landing. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026

There are of course a whole variety of barriers to solving that problem, some structural, some constitutional, all intensely political. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Noun

The huge megahub opened in 2018 and the site is bigger than the whole of Manhattan. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Sotheby’s will offer the collection of cable television magnate Ted Baum and his wife, interior designer Ruth Baum, with the whole estimated to total in excess of $100 million. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 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