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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
According to online data tracker Luminate (per Billboard), the tune has achieved 7 million total streams in the United States between April 18 and April 24. Jack Dunn, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025 The goal of these exercises is to keep Pakistani armed forces in total preparedness for any potential military incursion from India, the source said. Habibullah Khan, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
Including the 2025 recipients, the foundation has the distributed a total of more than $40 million to nearly 150 artists through the Doris Duke Artist Awards program. Paul Grein, Billboard, 1 May 2025 Spotify has one of the largest user bases in the world — in this most recent earnings report, Spotify had a total of 615+ million monthly active users. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 1 May 2025
Verb
The Bee totaled up the number of workers in each group, and their pay. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, Bynum has totaled 25 passes defensed and seven interceptions in 51 regular-season games. James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • Hairston is an absolute burner who ran a 4.28 at the combine and despite his smallish weight, is a very long corner with near 32-inch arms.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And the week-long party that had been taking place in Green Bay turned into absolute bedlam.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After hatching, the tiny insects live almost their entire lives in the web of a single spider, eating any weakened or recently deceased insects that have been caught by their host – all while adorned in a grisly collection of body parts.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In the wake of the accident, Renner says his entire outlook on life has shifted.
    Alex Ross, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The application process includes a thorough review of your credit score, income level, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the siblings of the deceased have also been unrelenting in demanding a thorough investigation into Tee'Andrick's murder.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The following summer, Spurs paid sizeable sums for Richarlison and Yves Bissouma and completed the deal to sign Cristian Romero after a season-long loan.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • However, each nation also ensures that the wealthiest pay a larger sum, ensuring better income equality.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Incident types are numbered 1-5 — a type 1 incident is a large, complex wildfire affecting people and critical infrastructure, a type 5 incident is a small wildfire with few personnel involved.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025
  • A number of unique projects, currently numbering 20 to 25 worldwide, are among the first to pilot the WELL for Residential certification.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the draft alone, the Browns added two quarterbacks.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Each sandwich uses bread sourced from San Francisco’s Panorama Baking adding a satisfying crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside texture.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • There is nothing that can ruin trying to sleep through a redeye like the sunrise hitting your face.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Teams from outside England also seem to struggle with Arsenal’s sheer athleticism — certainly Real Madrid struggled to keep pace with their physical output in the quarter-final.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The sheer volume of potential solutions in the consideration set has caused a bit of AI paralysis.
    Tim Houlne, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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