add up

verb

added up; adding up; adds up

intransitive verb

1
a
: to come to the expected total
the bill doesn't add up
b
: to form an intelligible pattern : make sense
her story just doesn't add up
2
a
: amount sense 1b
used with to
the play adds up to a lot of laughs
b
: to amount to a lot
just a little each time, but it all adds up

transitive verb

: to form an opinion of
added him up at a glance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But all those things add up. Mikey O'connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2023 These rash decisions often have expenses that add up, with either procrastination putting you behind or charges on a credit card setting you back. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2023 In the present, Weir and Hailey's tenuous relationship begins to thaw—but does her story add up? Katie Bowlby, Country Living, 2 Apr. 2023 Not much, but small increments do add up. Treehugger Editors, Treehugger, 31 Mar. 2023 Those calculations will add up, especially if multiple objects become involved. Charles Platt, WIRED, 30 Mar. 2023 But buying all those cards can add up. Angela Belt, House Beautiful, 29 Mar. 2023 There is no singular path to equity, but small steps forward add up, and the workplace can be a springboard for greater progress beyond it. Liz Elting, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023 Something doesn’t add up. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'add up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of add up was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near add up

Cite this Entry

“Add up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/add%20up. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

add up

verb
1
a
: to come to a total and especially the expected total
b
: to make sense
her story just doesn't add up
2
: to amount to a lot
just a little each time, but it all adds up

More from Merriam-Webster on add up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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