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Synonyms

as a whole

Idioms  

  1. All parts or aspects considered, altogether, as in I like the play as a whole, though the second act seemed somewhat slow. [Early 1800s] Also see on the whole.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As a whole, these oldest baby boomers are better educated and wealthier than previous generations—although huge inequities exist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

As a whole, the chart reflects what looks like a relatively stable inflation outlook.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

As a whole, the iShares China Large Cap ETF is looking at consecutive 4% weekly losses, its worst stretch since last April.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

“It’s not going to be perfect every week. As a whole, everything’s lined up and feeling good.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

As a whole it is a vast, miraculous musical jigsaw, never since matched by any composer.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.