entire 1 of 2

entire

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word entire distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of entire are all, total, and whole. While all these words mean "including everything or everyone without exception," entire may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added.

the entire population was wiped out

How is all related to other words for entire?

All may equal whole, entire, or total.

all proceeds go to charity

When could total be used to replace entire?

The synonyms total and entire are sometimes interchangeable, but total implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered.

the total number of people present

Where would whole be a reasonable alternative to entire?

The meanings of whole and entire largely overlap; however, whole implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away.

read the whole book

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 entire
Adjective
Hang them above a porch swing, front door, or all over the entire porch. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 Herd immunity only holds when protection is so high throughout an entire population that contagious illnesses are virtually unable to spread. Jamie Ducharme, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025 The entire pattern has developed just under the $117,000 level. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025 Samantha's entire collection was archived in 2009. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entire
Adjective
  • Without a rocket of its own, Northrop Grumman inked a contract with SpaceX for three Falcon 9 launches to carry the resupply missions until engineers could develop a new, all-domestic version of the Antares rocket.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Reaching this all-Enfield clash from central London is simple.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • She's done such an amazing job of becoming a mother and going through a whole year of pregnancy and our first year with Dominic.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • While a miniature tool or two is advisable to keep in the junk drawer, the whole toolbox definitely doesn’t belong in there, especially as loose tools just floating around amidst clutter.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Small accents here and there help transition to Halloween for October without needing to completely redecorate once the holiday ends.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Similar to virtual artists like PLAVE and MAVE, the performers will be completely virtual, utilizing the company’s advanced AI technology to create an avatar that will become the idol.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On a roller coaster, the theme park commands your full and undivided attention.
    Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Create intentional phone-free brainstorms or strategy sessions where attention is undivided.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Difficult Let’s do a complete walkthrough of today’s Difficult Pips.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The Pats drafted Tyquan Thornton in the second round in 2022 and cut him before his third season was complete.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Ortega kept her glam perfectly moody, with a low, messy bun, a deep plum lip, and whisper thin eyebrows.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Prettygarden One-Shoulder Formal Maxi Dress If you’re headed to a wedding this fall, don’t miss this dress that’s perfectly compact-chic—and currently 45% off.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, social media platforms drive roughly 80% of total online traffic in the country and serve as vital channels for business and communication.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • While the Broncos’ defense allowed 133 total yards, the least amount.
    Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Power is delivered through a 9-speed transmission and fully variable all-wheel drive system.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entire. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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