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

That approach involves negotiating with creditors to agree on a lump-sum settlement that's less than the full amount that's owed. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

The sums are vast, but the explanations for the spending range from vague to inscrutable. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

The solution Ciufolini proposed decades ago while working with physicist John Archibald Wheeler was to use two satellites in supplementary orbits, meaning with orbital inclinations that sum to 180 degrees. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026

To sum it up, DirecTV is the best option for watching HBO Max at no cost, through its five-day free trial (choose between the MyEntertainment package and Premier package). — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 10 July 2026

Phrases Containing sum

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