sum and substance
noun
: the general or basic meaning of something said or written
the sum and substance of an argument
Examples of sum and substance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So that is the sum and substance of my entire relationship with him.
—
Jenna Sundel
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Marks also told the [officer], in sum and substance, that tomorrow — that is, July 14, 2023 — would mark one month since her friend died.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 15 July 2023
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Jenna Sundel
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Marks also told the [officer], in sum and substance, that tomorrow — that is, July 14, 2023 — would mark one month since her friend died.
—Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 15 July 2023
Cite this Entry
“Sum and substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sum%20and%20substance. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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