Synonyms of sum

sum 1 of 2

noun

ˈsəm 

1

as in total

a complete amount of something

the sum of human knowledge on that subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

• total
• totality
• whole
• aggregate
• full
• summation
• entirety
• sum total
• bulk
• grand total
• the whole shebang
• the whole nine yards
• the whole bit
• the whole kit and caboodle
• gross
• completeness
• cumulativeness
• comprehensiveness
• mass
• enchilada
• schmear
• lion's share

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• net

2

as in summary

a short statement of the main points

the district attorney delivered a sum of the evidence against the accused that was simply staggering

Synonyms & Similar Words

• summary
• outline
• summa
• sum-up
• rundown
• résumé
• synopsis
• précis
• inventory
• recapitulation
• recap
• summing-up
• summarization
• digest
• brief
• conspectus
• abstract
• encapsulation
• roundup
• capsule
• run-through
• epitome
• compendium
• breviary
• wrap-up
• shortening
• curtailment
• abbreviation
• condensation
• abridgment
• simplification
• compend
• streamlining
• reprise
• rehash
• conclusion
• epilogue

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expansion
• enlargement
• amplification
• supplement
• addendum

3

as in height

the highest part or point

he declared that he had reached the sum of joy when his newborn daughter was laid in his arms

Synonyms & Similar Words

• height
• pinnacle
• culmination
• top
• zenith
• peak
• apex
• climax
• meridian
• crown
• summit
• crest
• highlight
• crescendo
• high-water mark
• apogee
• acme
• capstone
• noon
• head
• high noon
• tip-top
• ne plus ultra
• prime
• flood tide
• glory
• cap
• noontime
• ceiling
• extremity
• tip
• flower
• roof
• bloom
• vertex
• blossom
• high
• extreme
• heyday
• highspot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bottom
• base
• foot
• minimum
• nadir
• rock bottom
• abyss

4

as in essence

the central part or aspect of something under consideration

the sum of the issue is: who will pay for this?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• essence
• root
• core
• heart
• kernel
• point
• gist
• meat
• net
• nucleus
• sum and substance
• bottom line
• pivot
• crux
• nub
• pith
• subject
• tenor
• centerpiece
• keynote
• bull's-eye
• the long and short
• theme
• substance
• nubbin
• meat and potatoes
• direction
• content
• body
• course
• drift
• proposition
• thesis
• hypothesis
• purport

sum

2 of 2

verb

as in to add

to combine (numbers) into a single sum

can sum figures in his head faster than I can punch them into a calculator

Synonyms & Similar Words

• add
• calculate
• total
• count
• cast (up)
• compute
• summate
• totalize
• number
• foot (up)
• put together
• tote (up)
• tot (up)
• table
• tabulate
• figure
• cipher
• tell
• tally
• work out
• enumerate
• reckon
• recompute
• refigure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sum

Noun

The cash will be paid in a single lump-sum within 30 days following the close — which was earlier today. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

When Saks Global filed for bankruptcy protection, the sums owed to some of the world’s biggest luxury brands were staggering. — Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

As for keeping the focus on the main thing this week, the Ole Miss coach summed it up in the most logical way for his players that could be sucked into the off-field distractions this week. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Thousands of Ukrainian deaths over this period because of too few military provisions sums it all up. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing sum

• in sum
• sum (to or into)
• sum and substance
• sum total
• sum up