whole 1 of 2

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
So the whole success of the Tracey Ullman Show shorts were based on 15-second cartoons. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026 That’s one of my favorite scenes of yours in the whole season. Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 June 2026
Noun
Food insecurity has been on the rise in Fort Worth as a whole in recent years, with more than 570,000 residents facing food challenges in the greater city area, according to the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Samuel O’Neal 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2026 In many ways, SpaceX's Starship rocket is a metaphor for the company as a whole. David Szondy may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for whole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whole
Adjective
  • With their sleek all-black exterior, the Under Armour Men’s Charged Rogue 5 Sneakers will pair with just about everything in your suitcase, all while keeping your feet impossibly comfortable day in and day out.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
  • Nor has her embarrassing failure to win confirmation of Vincent DeMore, a former prosecutor, to the Massachusetts Parole Board through the unusually compliant all-Democrat Governor’s Council.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Swanson is a healthy player, Counsell said, and the manager wound up subbing him in as the automatic runner at second base for Saturday’s 10th inning against the San Francisco Giants.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 June 2026
  • Designed to help support healthier teeth, better sleep, and less jaw discomfort, ClearClub makes preventative dental care simple, convenient and more affordable.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • The company says that the addition of a second pilot will boost training for the entire fleet and will also improve its performance in dangerous scenarios.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
  • The cottonmouth can be found throughout the entire state, much like the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.
    Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • There are a total of 13 open-plan suites and one private-use villa.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Eastford, a small, rural community in Windham County, operates a food bank in cooperation with a local Baptist church, two days per month for a total of five hours.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its eternal, undivided capital.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • In just over 70 minutes, Daisies touches on it all, making a delectable film that deserves your undivided attention.
    Jennifer Noyes, Air Mail, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The detox helps remove build up from well water or any kind of minerals.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026
  • Get well Dodger friend and may God bless you and your family.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Put simply, Maine would not be Maine without its lobster—and a trip to Maine wouldn’t be complete without eating some.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • That single trait adds a complete unpredictability to Waddle’s breaks.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • The path of totality crosses the north and east of the country just before sunset, with the sun low in the west-northwest.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 June 2026
  • For those who live outside the eclipse’s path, the ESA will share a livestream of totality from Spain’s Astrophysical Observatory of Javalambre in Teruel.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whole. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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