summation
noun
sum·ma·tion
(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən 
1
: the act or process of forming a sum : addition
3
: cumulative action or effect
especially
: the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse
4
: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions
Examples of summation in a Sentence
A summation can be found at the end of the report.
We gave a summation of our discovery.
The defense attorneys and prosecutors are set to make their final summations today.
Recent Examples on the Web
Clark and White, however, pushed back on the notion that this particular argument was a fair summation of their bond.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 2 June 2026
In addition, the news organization insists its statements are true in the sense that, even if some details are inaccurate, the gist or overall summation of the reporting was right.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 June 2026
Gretchen realized that Blue Antiquity was Oscar’s capstone novel, a summation of what my husband believed about life, love, death, and eternity.
—Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
Trump is not totally wrong in his summation, but the remedy is bad as redistricting changes are supposed to occur once every 10 years based on population changes.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for summation
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James Boyd, New York Times, 2 June 2026
In addition, the news organization insists its statements are true in the sense that, even if some details are inaccurate, the gist or overall summation of the reporting was right.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 June 2026
Gretchen realized that Blue Antiquity was Oscar’s capstone novel, a summation of what my husband believed about life, love, death, and eternity.
—Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
Trump is not totally wrong in his summation, but the remedy is bad as redistricting changes are supposed to occur once every 10 years based on population changes.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for summation
Cite this Entry
“Summation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summation. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
summation
noun
sum·ma·tion
(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən
1
: the act or process of forming a sum : addition
2
3
: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions
Medical Definition
summation
noun
sum·ma·tion
(ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən
: cumulative action or effect
especially
: the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse see spatial summation, temporal summation
Legal Definition
summation
noun
sum·ma·tion
sə-ˈmā-shən
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