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
Maybe this is on Dunham as writer-director, or on Stalter, or a bit of both, but that inconsistency leaves Too Much feeling like less than the sum of its impressive parts.
—
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
The quartet’s popular lineup was more than the sum of its parts: Paddy McAloon’s cryptic and clever lyrics; Wendy Smith’s lush and angelic voice (arguably the secret weapon of the group); and the tight rhythm section of Martin McAloon and drummer Neil Conti.
—David Chiu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
The goal of the new regime has to be building a roster than helps the quarterback be better than the sum of his talents but also can remain competitive if or when the quarterback has a rough stretch.
—Nick Suss, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
From music, restaurants, adult products, Broadway plays, real estate, she’s built multiple streams of income that work together to create something bigger than the sum of their parts.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 2 July 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.
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
The quartet’s popular lineup was more than the sum of its parts: Paddy McAloon’s cryptic and clever lyrics; Wendy Smith’s lush and angelic voice (arguably the secret weapon of the group); and the tight rhythm section of Martin McAloon and drummer Neil Conti.
—David Chiu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
The goal of the new regime has to be building a roster than helps the quarterback be better than the sum of his talents but also can remain competitive if or when the quarterback has a rough stretch.
—Nick Suss, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
From music, restaurants, adult products, Broadway plays, real estate, she’s built multiple streams of income that work together to create something bigger than the sum of their parts.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 2 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share