totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce totality (audio)
plural totalities
Synonyms of totalitynext
1
: an aggregate amount : sum, whole
the totality of human knowledge
2
a
: the quality or state of being total : wholeness
This … looks at the problem globally, in its totalityPhilip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org
b
: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The path of totality crosses the north and east of the country just before sunset, with the sun low in the west-northwest. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 June 2026 Sky-gazers in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and northeastern Portugal will glimpse totality, when the skies go momentarily dark as the sun completely disappears. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 6 June 2026 Bank of America’s new BofA Rewards program is a signal that bank loyalty is moving into a broader era—one where rewards are tied not just to spending, but to the totality of a customer’s financial relationship, lifestyle preferences and life stage. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 No, Ware wouldn’t be the totality of a Heat package for Giannis, likely less coveted than say a Heat package of picks, or even the leading man from elsewhere (Jaylen Brown from the Celtics, Alperen Sengun from the Rockets, perhaps Paolo Banchero from the Magic). Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for totality

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of totality was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Totality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totality. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

totality

noun
to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce totality (audio)
plural totalities
1
: a combined amount : sum, whole
2
: the quality or state of being total : entirety
rejected the scheme in its totality

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