the sum of
idiom
1
: an amount of (money)
I paid the sum of $500.
2
: the result of (adding two or more numbers together)
The sum of 5 and 7 is 12
3
: all there is of : the whole amount of
Working odd summer jobs has been the sum of my experience so far.
Examples of the sum of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This illustrates the power of regional synergy: L’Oréal’s resource integration expertise combines Japan’s advanced technology with China’s vast market and distinctive commercial landscape, creating a synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
—
Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Each of these towns is testament to how Americans can build towns and communities that add up to more than the sum of their parts.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
Combining two different financial profiles, product ecosystems, service models, data management structures and other factors can be a real challenge, and good governance can help determine whether the resulting entity will be more than the sum of its parts, driving greater value for customers.
—Matt Kunkel, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
But those situations are also very funny, and eventually even a bit touching, as an episodic progress adds up to more than the sum of its parts.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the sum of
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.
Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Each of these towns is testament to how Americans can build towns and communities that add up to more than the sum of their parts.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
Combining two different financial profiles, product ecosystems, service models, data management structures and other factors can be a real challenge, and good governance can help determine whether the resulting entity will be more than the sum of its parts, driving greater value for customers.
—Matt Kunkel, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
But those situations are also very funny, and eventually even a bit touching, as an episodic progress adds up to more than the sum of its parts.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the sum of
Cite this Entry
“The sum of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20sum%20of. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share