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total

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noun

total

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word total distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of total are all, entire, and whole. While all these words mean "including everything or everyone without exception," total implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered.

the total number of people present

How does the word all relate to other synonyms for total?

All may equal whole, entire, or total.

all proceeds go to charity

When can entire be used instead of total?

In some situations, the words entire and total are roughly equivalent. However, entire may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added.

the entire population was wiped out

Where would whole be a reasonable alternative to total?

While in some cases nearly identical to total, whole implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away.

read the whole book

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of total
Adjective
The special 350-ml. size is available at all 350 Bulgari boutiques globally, whereas the other formats of the scents will retail at 47 stores out of Bulgari’s total units in the next two years, Colombo said. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 17 June 2025 The document states a total compensation cost for the bargaining unit of $92.8 million for 600 employees, increasing by $939,008 in 2024-25 and $2.07 million in 2025-26 with the salary increases. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
Built in 2023, the contemporary pad offers a total of seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, meaning there is ample space for both homeowners and visitors to catch some Zs. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 June 2025 Those totals are so far well below what poured into last year’s bitter county race between Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, where total spending surpassed $5.6 million. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Verb
The festival distributed prizes totaling over AUD$200,000 ($129,628) across all categories. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 June 2025 The price paid to Caddo suppliers totaled $3,023 -- a whopping sum for a backwoods expedition two centuries ago. Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • Jewel Loyd — Las Vegas Aces Jewell lives up to her name, stepping through the tunnel looking like an absolute gem in this Jacquemus Canadian tuxedo—a sleek, washed, and polished denim suit.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • The United States isn’t a perfect host country, as evidenced during the 2024 Copa America there, but the World Cup will be an absolute success.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • The entire episode was captured on NYPD bodycam video.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
  • Here is what is new at the 2025 BMW Championship: Because only the top 50 golfers in the FedEx Cup rankings will participate in the championship, there is no cut, which ensures that the entire field – barring a withdrawal – will stick around until Sunday’s final round.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Most vegetable gardens need 1 to 2 inches of water weekly, best delivered in deep, thorough waterings a few times a week rather than daily sprinkles.
    Karen Grossman, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
  • The formula provides a gorgeous lather and gives my hair and scalp a thorough cleanse without leaving my strands feeling stripped.
    Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Six months ago, the seller put the 1.84-acre lot on the market for an even bigger sum: $200 million.
    Phoebe Liu, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Nearly half of that sum is estimated to be part of the signing bonus with which the two-time major champion joined LIV Golf, valued at $300 million.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Now that’s been done, and Garcia has been announced and unveiled at the Joan Gamper CT, the veteran’s days between the sticks as Hansi Flick’s number one are believed to be numbered.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Olli Jokinen’s jersey made an appearance, his name and number a nod to earlier, scrappier days.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The Israeli military is continuing to target Iranian nuclear sites and infrastructure as well as other military targets, the spokesperson added.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • The e-commerce giant has been working on an overhaul for the past several months, the CNBC report said, adding that Amazon has not conducted any broad layoffs as part of this reorganization.
    Siddhi Mahatole, USA Today, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • The front nine, which has ruined more than a handful of U.S. Open rounds over the last two days, proved to be much tougher.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Sara Schilling, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, the analysts flagged the sheer volume and tone of the content as a genuine officer safety concern.
    Dell Cameron, Wired News, 13 June 2025
  • The difference, however, was in the sheer volume of players who left on a temporary basis.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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