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Definition of totalnext
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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 total number of arrests during the five-day period starting Friday and ending Tuesday translates to roughly 2,000 arrests per day. Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Loomis Sayles research points to corporate credit benchmarks offering mid-single-digit total returns even without spread tightening, with higher-credit-quality indices yielding between 3% and 5% annually. Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
The sisters have won a total of 14 Grand Slam titles together in doubles — six of which were at Wimbledon. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 In total, Williams has won seven singles titles and six women's doubles titles at Wimbledon, according to ESPN. Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Verb
According to prosecutors, Jackson allegedly wrote 153 checks from the after-school program's payable account to herself totaling around $77,000 between 2018 and 2024. Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 One studio complex that’s now on the market, 3030 Andrita Street in Atwater Village, touts three existing soundstages totaling 34,500 square feet. Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • This World Cup has been bringing the absolute goods from day one.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • The last decade has been an absolute whirlwind for the 38-year-old film school graduate, who could have never dreamed of the success he’s enjoyed as a YouTube personality with over 10 million subscribers (and counting).
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Swift recently paid tribute to the Hollywood icon with an entire song on The Life of a Showgirl and licensed imagery and other intellectual property from Elizabeth Taylor's estate for the music video.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • As the music builds, entire sections of the crowd rise to their feet, clapping, chanting and dancing together.
    Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Each specimen was weighed and put in the same-sized containers filled with superworm larvae to determine the optimal ratio of larvae to specimen for thorough cleaning without damaging bones.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
  • Those subtle cues usually reveal whether housekeeping is thorough or simply surface-level.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • In his apartment officers found black and gray clothing Fleming wore during the robberies as well as a black duffel bag, a gun belt with a holster, a large sum of cash still wrapped in bank currency bands, and multiple guns.
    Mary Ella Hastings July 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
  • That whiplash-inducing sum covers multi-day arena rental, top-tier security, and several headline performers.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Brown's days with the Celtics appeared to be numbered when Boston offered him and draft picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Five of them will be white balls numbered 1 to 69.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Vance is still the default nominee, and Trump entrusting him with an Iran deal that could make or break his presidency is a sign of Vance’s clout, the person added.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • Tyasha Harris — starting in place of Clark — scored 16, while Monique Billings added 15 points.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • After all, plenty of cocktail enthusiasts already complain about mosquitoes ruining a summer evening.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • My son-in-law feels blindsided, as my daughter is asking for a complete break.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The vast Lake Tahoe estate of Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love, complete with a theater, wine tasting room, ice-skating rink and sauna, could be yours — for the small price of $43 million.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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