greater/better/more than the sum of its parts
idiom
—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
But this team remains greater than the sum of its parts, filled with comeback stories, youthful energy and a style that just keeps working.
—
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 15 May 2025
This is a clear example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
This Pasta Dish Has Layers of Flavor Beyond the obvious ones in the recipe name, there are some other ingredients that make this dish taste like more than the sum of its parts.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
But regular time playing together helps build understanding between players, which allows the team to perform better than the sum of its parts.
—Steve Price, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greater/better/more than the sum of its parts
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Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 15 May 2025
This is a clear example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
This Pasta Dish Has Layers of Flavor Beyond the obvious ones in the recipe name, there are some other ingredients that make this dish taste like more than the sum of its parts.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
But regular time playing together helps build understanding between players, which allows the team to perform better than the sum of its parts.
—Steve Price, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for greater/better/more than the sum of its parts
Cite this Entry
“Greater/better/more than the sum of its parts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greater%2Fbetter%2Fmore%20than%20the%20sum%20of%20its%20parts. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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