1
as in total
a complete amount of something
the sum of human knowledge on that subject
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sum
Pablo Maurer, New York Times, 2 June 2025
If the borrowers can’t pay back the sum in time and don’t come to some kind of agreement with the Royals’ affiliate who bought the loan, that would open up a pathway for the Royals to possibly gain control of the property and consider building a stadium at the site.
—Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
Commenters are standing behind the poster, with one summing it up.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Noun
That sum grows as teams advance through the tournament, with teams earning $2 million for every win and $1 million for a draw.
—Pablo Maurer, New York Times, 2 June 2025
If the borrowers can’t pay back the sum in time and don’t come to some kind of agreement with the Royals’ affiliate who bought the loan, that would open up a pathway for the Royals to possibly gain control of the property and consider building a stadium at the site.
—Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
Verb
Shouting across the room in the Dodgers’ postgame clubhouse, backup catcher Austin Barnes summed it up even more succinctly.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
Commenters are standing behind the poster, with one summing it up.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
Noun
-
The April count was revised lower by 30,000, while March's total came down by 65,000 to 120,000.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
-
In Asia, China brought in $3.91 million, with South Korea, Hong Kong and others adding to the total.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
This was the 21st flight for the first stage, including 13 prior Starlink missions, according to a flight summary on SpaceX's website.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
3 June 2025
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Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot. Updated 11:30 a.m. June 3, 2025: Because the bill’s summary was not updated to reflect legislative changes, this story originally misreported the final language of House Bill 1146.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Choosing perennials with long bloom times, along with different heights and colors, adds charm and depth to the garden.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
1 June 2025
-
Budget $300 to $500 for these pots, preferably in two or three different heights.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
That really captured the essence of the dark ages and the medieval world.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Quotable Time is of the essence for these students.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Verb
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As the Royals’ offense has scuffled this season, fans have been dreaming of the team added Caglianone’s bat, even though he was drafted less than a year ago.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
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And the top five floors are still available, Kurz added, which can come with branding and signage rights.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
In Game 6, the Knicks made far too many errors that, in totality, amounted to an avalanche of Pacers points.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
-
In totality, the Paul–Chavez Jr. card, which is also strengthened by Zurdo Ramirez’s unified title defense against Dorticós, makes this a strong summer boxing event.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Surf Ranch in Fresno, created by 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, became a pinnacle of wave technology, but has a hefty price tag in the tens of thousands to access.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
30 May 2025
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Love probably needs to play like a $220 million quarterback for the Packers to reach the sport’s pinnacle.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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One of the common root causes is that many of us instinctively fill every available surface, from drawers to shelves, and cabinets to closets.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2025
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According to engineers and robotics experts, the root cause of the malfunction was a combination of software and design oversight.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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