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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
For eastern Cuba, total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches, is possible into Tuesday. Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 The offense finished with just 308 total yards, its lowest output of the season. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
In total, making the piece took four years from conception to creation. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2025 The Jayhawks had three turnovers total, with backup quarterback Cole Ballard throwing an interception in the fourth quarter. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
In March, an Apple Red example of the SUV that had totaled 688 miles sold for … $226,000. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025 Alexander has totaled 361 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • Here are some of the absolute best neighborhoods in metro Phoenix for trick-or-treating in 2025.
    Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This plaid jacket is an absolute standout in fall outerwear—already a best-seller with over 1,000 purchases in the past month.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Welcome to the ninth edition of The Alternative Premier League Table, where each Thursday, Anantaajith Raghuraman analyses the entire division through a specific lens.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Gottlieb is also known as the unwitting godfather of the entire LSD counterculture.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Fowler and Zietlow also renew the Chuba Hubbard-Rico Dowdle debate and give a thorough preview of Carolina’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The post sparked a backlash in the Philippines, where the average monthly wage is less than a fifth of that sum.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While Spanish chroniclers numbered the population around the time of European contact to have been 1 million, anthropologists have disputed this, arguing instead for the population to have been 6–12 million.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • It's sold in handcrafted and numbered ceramic bottles shaped like a copper brewing kettle.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This week, the dramatic collapse of plans for Barcelona to play a La Liga game against Villarreal in Miami — first reported by The Athletic — added extra spice to the compelling and captivating Clasico.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Overall, the inflation data likely add fuel to expectations that the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by another quarter percentage point at its policy meeting later this month - its second consecutive cut.
    NPR, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Drummond's proposals to the court to sharply limit litter's use as fertilizer would amount to a ban on the practice in the river's watershed; this and the cost of removing all litter from the watershed would ruin poultry growers throughout the region, defendants argue.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In the end, the explorers destroyed themselves and their ships and ruined the lives of so many indigenous people after setting up colonies in places like Tierra del Fuego.
    Charlie Markbreiter, Them., 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That said, each tint is said to offer sheer, buildable coverage with the right touch of color.
    Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Naomi Watts also went sheer in a daring look from Valentino’s spring 2025 couture collection, which featured a voluminous skirt with a lacy top.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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