total 1 of 3

1
2
3

total

2 of 3

noun

total

3 of 3

verb

1
2
3

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 junior allowed just two runs across 35 total innings in the postseason. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 This stack takes up 50% of your total salary. Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
Boise State was whistled for 10 offensive penalties for a total of 78 yards Saturday, and also committed three on defense for 34 yards. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 4 Oct. 2025 The crew spent a total of 183 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest continuous spaceflight by Chinese astronauts. Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
In Arizona, contracts in the Yuma and Tucson sectors total roughly $807 million and include 23 miles of new secondary wall and over 120 miles of surveillance and infrastructure upgrades. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 The visitors bureau receives most of its revenue from taxes on lodging places and restaurants, which totaled close to $19 million in 2024. Arkansas Online, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • Third, Netanyahu's insistence on resuming fighting in Gaza to achieve absolute victory was never practical, as the United States learned in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and Israel in the West Bank.
    Ehud Barak, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This year's trade deadline was an absolute bloodbath, as the Twins cut ties with 11 players in two days.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But every once in a while, someone shifts your entire perspective.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a bit too much fruit notes and kind of a younger whiskey feeling to WLW this year, although out of the context of the entire collection this is not a bad pour at all.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s inspectors carry out regular and thorough checks on the workshops selected and employed by Tod’s.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Its thorough filtration process captures pollen, dust, and other small particles, while also absorbing odors and fumes.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Lewis family has insisted the club is not for sale, and their injecting a nine-figure sum into Spurs — again, largely out of keeping with past activity — would seem to underscore that position.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Buying a new one can set you back a tidy sum.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Most of the crowd, which numbered around 25,000, was rooting for Argentina and erupted when Lo Celso’s shot hit the back of the net.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Ahead of the meeting, negotiators were finalizing a list of Palestinian prisoners set to be released in the swap, which is expected to number in the thousands.
    Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Because access to opportunity is not evenly distributed, Patel adds that receiving help isn’t something to feel guilty about.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Dylan Lynch would add a 21-yard and a 38-yard field goal in the victory.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Or pursue the rancid criminal element across the galaxy as a bounty hunter, making your fortune by ruining bad guys' lives.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Nothing ruins a trip faster than your suitcase not showing up at baggage claim, right?
    Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The sheer expanse of places to see in Japan is astounding.
    Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Sources of succor and disquiet—currents which Winter has ridden in life and art—each female elder is a maternal presence who offers complementary textures to the tapestry Winter has woven from threads of experience and sheer imagination.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on total

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!