totally

adverb

to·​tal·​ly ˈtō-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce totally (audio)
Synonyms of totallynext
: in a total manner : to a total or complete degree : wholly, entirely

Examples of totally in a Sentence

That's a totally different issue. I am totally upset you can't make it to the celebration.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But improvisation is a good word because a jazz player can be incredibly precise, leave nothing to chance and yet be totally free to improvise. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Skunks would rather put up with the strong scent of mothballs than leave a hospitable environment, making mothballs totally ineffective against skunks. Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 1 July 2026 Fans might be quick to immediately pencil in Rodriguez as the starter, yet this totally overlooks Dodson’s competitiveness. Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 And yet, at least some families seem to believe that in our day-to-day lives, making a separate plate and endlessly sacrificing to avoid their kids’ discomfort is totally OK! Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for totally

Word History

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of totally was in 1509

Cite this Entry

“Totally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totally. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

totally

adverb
to·​tal·​ly ˈtōt-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce totally (audio)
1
: in a total manner : wholly
2
: as a whole

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