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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of sum
Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Pharmaceutical companies have been wary of even minor concessions, insisting that the high prices paid by Americans subsidize the huge sums that go into researching and developing new drugs.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Spence’s post on social media after Spurs’ victory over Man City at the Etihad perfectly sums him up.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Noun
Many carry student loans or other debt, and 75% expect to inherit sizable sums from their parents as part of the Great Wealth Transfer.
—Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Pharmaceutical companies have been wary of even minor concessions, insisting that the high prices paid by Americans subsidize the huge sums that go into researching and developing new drugs.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Blaney summed it up by saying that race car drivers, like basketball and football players, have a switch.
—Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Spence’s post on social media after Spurs’ victory over Man City at the Etihad perfectly sums him up.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
Noun
-
That’s after revisions to prior months cut growth totals sharply and even showed a net loss of jobs in June.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Later in the quarter, Houston added to his team-high sack total in a split sack with Kenny Clark.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As well as showing Ryland Grace pre- (no beard) and post- (lots of beard) spaceflight, this first teaser provides a thorough summary of the movie's premise for anyone yet to read Weir's novel.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
7 Oct. 2025
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The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division.—
Real-Time News team,
Miami Herald,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In an interview with Flow Space, pro runner D’Amato shares five lessons about finding joy in midlife by taking on new challenges—and battling the fear, doubt, and failure that come with the desire to reach new heights.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The widest tree in Indiana, according to the registry, is a Silver Maple in Lawrence County with a circumference of 361 inches and a height of 103 feet.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In essence, the device aims to replace a lymphatic massage or gua sha, offering fascia release, fluid drainage, and smoother texture in one handheld gadget.—
Francesca Krempa,
StyleCaster,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Matsui, a Democrat, said time is of the essence, and called on her Republican colleagues to negotiate.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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MacLean added that Venezuelans with TPS who are currently in custody and lack any other form of protection will now face a serious risk of deportation.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Hershey’s Chocolate World also adds a layer of fall fun with trick-or-treating throughout the world’s largest candy store, character meet-and-greets, and new treats to try.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The exposure was going to change wildly in the course of the eclipse, and totality would last only a few minutes.—
Sarah Botstein,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Given the totality of the investigative findings, Jackson encourages his counterparts across the country to look at their unsolved homicides and compare this case to theirs, as there may be more victims out there.—
Jean Casarez,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Marc Márquez finally hauled himself back to the pinnacle of MotoGP in Japan last weekend, capping one of sport’s most arduous comeback stories with an almost flawless title charge.—
Jonathan Hawkins,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
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Warner Chappell and Warner Music have always been at the pinnacle of support for songwriters and other music creators, and that reality is still very evident in the current leadership and staff.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
When shopping, look for ginger root that is firm and smooth.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Used a mulch, leaves keep soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, protecting plant roots from extreme temperatures.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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