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
Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
Fans who endured long lines to get in with the extra security measures in place — and some who paid five-figure sums for the chance to do so — were treated to a back-and-forth game as the NBA Finals returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 27 years.
—Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
That about sums it up nicely, song.
—Glen Weldon, NPR, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sum
Noun
At Kyles Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Oak Park, Baker donated a significant sum to build a kitchen named in honor of Royster’s mother, who had been kind to Baker’s own mother.
—Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
Fans who endured long lines to get in with the extra security measures in place — and some who paid five-figure sums for the chance to do so — were treated to a back-and-forth game as the NBA Finals returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 27 years.
—Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Verb
Higgo summed it up in a way many of us can relate to in all walks of life.
—Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
That about sums it up nicely, song.
—Glen Weldon, NPR, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
Noun
-
Clark also played in her 13th game of the season, matching her total from last year during an injury-riddled campaign.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
He is now tied with German Gerd Muller for third for most World Cup goals of all time after scoring twice against Senegal, bringing Mbappe's total to 14.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The Fed on Wednesday will release its quarterly summary of economic projections, which lays out — anonymously — officials’ expectations for the course of interest rates across the coming months.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Jaylen Wright delivered quite the succinct summary of his 2025 on Sunday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
In other forms, cheese has risen to greater heights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Barry had been appointed in April 2020, at the height of pandemic uncertainty, when stay-at-home orders made foot traffic to brick-and-mortar retailers like Best Buy nearly impossible.—
Liz Elting,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The instrumental break before the final chorus, with Nilles let loose on Neil Peart’s parts and Lifeson soloing like his Seventies self, was one of the many moments of uncanny resurrection on the tour so far — the essence of Rush, in full, despite the tragic absence of a key third of the band.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
14 June 2026
-
The hotel is the essence of quiet luxury, a welcome contrast to its flashier Laguna neighbors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Operations at the Australian embassy in Tehran were suspended, Albanese said, adding that Australian diplomats left the country.—
Lilia Geho,
ABC News,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Angel Reese added her name to the record book Monday night, but her milestone wasn't enough to lift the Chicago Sky past the Las Vegas Aces.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The path of totality crosses the north and east of the country just before sunset, with the sun low in the west-northwest.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
7 June 2026
-
Bank of America’s new BofA Rewards program is a signal that bank loyalty is moving into a broader era—one where rewards are tied not just to spending, but to the totality of a customer’s financial relationship, lifestyle preferences and life stage.—
Jeff Fromm,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Bharathiraja earned the honorific Iyakkunar Imayam – pinnacle of directors.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 June 2026
-
In her post-race press conference, Shiffrin spoke movingly about reaching the pinnacle without her father, Jeff, who died in an accident in his home in 2020.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The 36-year-old entrepreneur from Stanford, Connecticut, moved to Mexico City last year to reconnect with the roots of his late grandparents.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
Jason Momoa, who was born in Hawaii, was photographed helping Lola arrange traditional colorful Hawaiian garlands, the leis, a tribute to her roots.—
Monica Coviello,
Vanity Fair,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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