1
as in coming (to)
to be the same in meaning or effect
whether we take the 4:00 train or the 4:15 bus, it adds up to the same thing: they both get us back too late
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in counting (up to)
to have a total of
even if we pool all our money, it won't add up to enough to rent a beach house for a week
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adding up (to)
Verb
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Visitors on whale-watching tours often see dolphin pods with animals numbering in the hundreds as well as sea lions and sharks.—
Nora Heston Tarte,
Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2026 -
Quivering along the frill of brownish gray and whitish yellow stripes skirting her foot, the epipodial tentacles are pale silver and waving, numbering over a hundred, electrifying her whole body with tastes, smells, vibrations from above, behind, everywhere.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a nuclear power, Pakistan commands a sophisticated defense apparatus comprising an army, navy, air force, and marine corps.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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Dressed in Swansea’s colours, the 54-year-old took the field ahead of the Championship game against Preston North End through a guard of honour comprising young footballers from Wales, as over 20,000 fans filled the stands.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
25 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Adding up (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adding%20up%20%28to%29. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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