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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sum
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The Pride acquired $650,000 in intraleague transfer funds from Angel City in exchange for the player, considered a club-record figure that is the second-highest total in league history and a record sum for a defender.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2025
Parents sat down with Avatar star and Academy Award-winner, Zoe Saldaña, who sums the film up beautifully.
—Katie Grant, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Noun
Pearce is seeking damages in a sum in excess of $50,000 as well as court costs and other relief to be determined at trial.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The Pride acquired $650,000 in intraleague transfer funds from Angel City in exchange for the player, considered a club-record figure that is the second-highest total in league history and a record sum for a defender.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
The headline for this review summed it up—this 18-year-old bourbon is better than Pappy Van Winkle 23.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2025
Parents sat down with Avatar star and Academy Award-winner, Zoe Saldaña, who sums the film up beautifully.
—Katie Grant, Parents, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
Noun
-
And that total is without a starting center and the team’s four most notable backups.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The Celtics attempted just four free throws, tied for the second-lowest single-game total in franchise history, in their 100-95 loss to San Antonio at TD Garden.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Structure information summary Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The Sill reports that appointments with their human plant specialists have increased 30% as people tire of advice from chatbot service agents, influencers, and AI summaries.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The police had overestimated Ramírez’s height by an inch or two but most of the other details were correct.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
But that project was further complicated by last week’s decision by the state Supreme Court restoring the area’s 30-foot building height limit — despite a 2022 ballot measure to lift it.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In essence, this would mean that alpha particles (helium nuclei) released by decaying uranium (or some other fissile material) would be focused through engine nozzles to generate thrust.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
For the chaotic essence of Catania, head (at the crack of dawn) to its 19th-century fish market under the Archi della Marina.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The warmth of these paint colors counteracts the cool light in north-facing rooms, adds depth and character, and makes the otherwise cool spaces feel inviting.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Aldo Chelsey Pumps Last but not least the D’Orsay silhouette and 3-inch heel on the Aldo Chelsey Pumps add extra allure and drama to an already sophisticated shoe.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While totality will last just over two minutes at its maximum, the low position of the eclipsed sun — particularly in Spain — will offer some dramatic photographic opportunities.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
4 Jan. 2026
-
By contrast, the total solar eclipse in 2027 will offer a whopping 6 1/2 minutes of totality and pass over more countries.—
Marcia Dunn,
Fortune,
28 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The scaffolding is slated to rise to the very top of the building, whose pinnacle is graced by a cupola and a needle-like spire.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Gone are the days where all-white kitchens are seen as the pinnacle of luxury.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Overwatering The main reasons orchid roots get mushy and cause leaf wilt are overwatering or poor drainage, according to Kondrat.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
-
According to Nitzsche, simmer pots have historical roots, with a presences across cultures.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
