whole 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhōl How to pronounce whole (audio)
Definition of wholenext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor whole and happy again after months of recuperation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Allison Andrews came out to see the whole street blocked by the tree, and wondered if a lightning strike may have been to blame. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 The different types of rap, breakdancing, graffiti, like, the whole culture in general caught my attention … also, the business side of rappers doing brands and stuff like that. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
Arabella’s Cocktail Salon, an intimate 25-seat bar on the hotel’s first floor, is a jewel box, a mish-mash of styles and references that somehow feel part of a whole. — Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 26 July 2026 Sauron’s armies have marched across the whole of the world, conquering all in their path. — ArsTechnica, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whole
  1. all
  2. healthy
  3. entire
  4. total
  5. undivided
  6. well
  7. complete
  8. totality
Adjective
  • New California law requires all-gender bathrooms Another new law, Senate Bill 760, requires every public and private school in California serving students in first through 12th grades to provide at least one all-gender restroom .
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Lollapalooza history was made this weekend when P-pop boy band SB19 became the first all-Filipino group to perform at the Chicago festival.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of all
Adjective
  • Doctors say Braswell and Toberman share a trait common among older adults who remain healthy and independent well into their later years.
    — Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This flavorful mix of fruit bits makes a refreshing snack or a healthy treat for lunch boxes.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • That is the price of the thing this entire industry is currently structured to avoid.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Around 70,000 people used the city’s designated Seine swimming areas in July, according to Paris City Hall, compared with nearly 100,000 during the entire summer last year, suggesting growing public interest in reclaiming the river for recreation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of entire
Noun
  • Selcuk Acar / Anadolu via Getty Images ICE reported 33 detainee deaths in 2025, the highest total in more than two decades, according to the National Immigration Project, a legal nonprofit.
    — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Château de Cîteaux will be home to a total of 35 rooms and suites, with 18 ready for guests now and a further 17 entering the scene later in 2027.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • 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
  • Flirty texts, sudden plans and unexpected confessions could make July feel exciting, but not every spark deserves your undivided attention.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of undivided
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
Definition of well
Adjective
  • Howard County initially approved permits for the project but revoked them in February 2026, when construction was nearly complete.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, no proper French meal would be complete without wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Noun
  • During totality, the sun itself puts on one of nature's greatest spectacles — and that's where your attention should be.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • According to the study, seismic activity rose slightly before totality as people gathered to watch the eclipse.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of totality

Phrases Containing whole

Browse Nearby Words

who's whos
whole
wholehearted
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Cite this Entry

“Whole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whole. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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