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
Alex Crippen, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
What’s wrong with a modest sum to afford a pair of economy-class airplane tickets, some fancy food on the dinner table for a change, and some humble home updates here and there?
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
As The Autopian summed it up, there’s nothing earth-shattering – technologically speaking – here.
—New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sum
Noun
But large sums, per se, don’t bother me.
—Alex Crippen, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026
What’s wrong with a modest sum to afford a pair of economy-class airplane tickets, some fancy food on the dinner table for a change, and some humble home updates here and there?
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
Reed, who lives in Texas, summed it up well.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
As The Autopian summed it up, there’s nothing earth-shattering – technologically speaking – here.
—New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
Noun
-
Also on Tuesday, the board approved three separate resolutions to accept a total of $69,500 in grant funding from the United States Tennis Association for resurfacing of the courts at the city's tennis center.—
Joseph Flaherty,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
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Because Naperville is in both DuPage and Will counties, vote totals from both will need to be counted before unofficial results are complete.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Create that profile or summary statement, frontload your strengths and best skills, write those descriptions of your best projects and achievements in jobs past, describe your volunteer and community work, share those hobbies and interests.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
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In an email correspondence, Alvarado also shared his own summary of the event and the nuanced topic of separating the actions of one individual from a larger movement.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Betty, attempting to paper over her unthinkable loss, dresses Laura in her daughter’s clothes, gives her her daughter’s place at family meals, has her daughter’s bike fixed to Laura’s height.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
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Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Arborists work in a world of extreme heights and life-or-death consequences every day.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Time is very much of the essence, as a two-week recess is set to begin at the end of next week.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Mar. 2026
-
In essence the ball will be brighter and have more bulbs creating better color and white light.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Hyaluronic acid and allantoin add extra hydration and reinforce the skin barrier.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The radiant Sun conjoins fanciful Neptune in your 7th House of Interdependence, adding extra kindness to your imagination, so boundaries and bonds can both feel easier and more creative.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
So awe is a brief, euphoric feeling of the totality and beauty of all of existence, resulting in a reflective state of both deep wonder and calm connectedness to all things.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The 11 points and 10 rebounds don’t come close to what the 6-foot-3 Energizer Bunny contributed in totality to his team.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This year your creativity, zest and desire for life are at a pinnacle.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
17 Mar. 2026
-
It was transformed into a 125-unit luxury condo by 2002, the pinnacle of which is a quadplex with an 80-foot stainless-steel slide, a rock wall, and a rope swing.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
See latest conditions Rainfall during the critical germination months from September through November was well below normal, and the winter rain needed to support deep roots and healthy growth also fell short.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The roots of the quaint hotel—once home to a cardinal—are reflected in the guest rooms’ tapestries, oak floors, and Carrara-marble bathrooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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