greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

phrase

—used to say that something is better or more effective as a team, combination, etc., than would be expected when looking at the different parts that form it

The team lacks standout players, but it has proved to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Examples of greater/better/more than the sum of its parts in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years the One&Only brand, no longer owned by Kerzner, grew to become something more than the sum of its parts, yet Le Saint Géran remains essential to its identity. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026

The result has been a huge factor in a Celtics team that has equaled more than the sum of its parts, with Queta unexpectedly bolstering a frontcourt that lost mainstays Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis in the offseason. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Made mainly with frozen vegetables and a few pantry items, plus lean stew meat, this chunky and robust soup tastes like more than the sum of its parts. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026

Sometimes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, as the saying goes, and Caesar salad is a perfect example. — Jennifer Anderson, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026