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

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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
Together, there’s a balance of fiber, plant protein, heart-healthy fats, and quick and slow energy sources for a snack that satisfies and nourishes the whole body. — Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 31 Aug. 2026 Verizon is offering up to $830 off the whole iPhone 17 series with the trade-in of an eligible old (or even damaged) phone and a qualified activation for select Verizon myPlan plans. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 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 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
  • The spacious, all-white kitchen has two islands, perfect for rolling out all that sourdough Swift has been baking of late.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Built on a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 chassis, fit with a 331 ci V-8, this all-aluminum two-seater features a retractable hardtop, a wraparound windshield, a Lucite steering wheel, and Liberace levels of gold-plating.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of all
Adjective
  • Understanding the benefits muscle cells have as endocrine workhorses could help keep us all healthier in the long run.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Higher benchmark yields can lift financing costs even for healthy companies, potentially making some factories, data centers, acquisitions and other investments less economically viable.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, there’s a kind of hip, comfort food aspect to the entire enterprise that keeps it an easy, if slightly cluttered and overlong watch.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of entire
Noun
  • Forecasters said Edouard is expected to produce rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with maximum totals up to 9 inches, for parts of the Upper Texas coast inland through east-central Texas.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • By the end of the night, Chicago had nine in total as part of a 17-3 rout that cemented August 2026 as one for the record books for the North Siders.
    — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of total
Adjective
  • Lots of undivided attention, positive reinforcement, love, affection, and pride when my kids were successful.
    — Lauren Gelman, Parents, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The following morning, Greenland was still there, still demanding my undivided attention.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 Aug. 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
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Noun
  • What does touch Earth will create an ellipse of totality over the far north of Russia.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Since this is only a partial eclipse, the eclipse will not reach totality, and a sliver of the moon will still be visible.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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