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
Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 6 May 2025
The following summer, Spurs paid sizeable sums for Richarlison and Yves Bissouma and completed the deal to sign Cristian Romero after a season-long loan.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025
To sum it up, Billie Jean King is a gamechanger on every level.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Noun
The plaintiffs are asking for a sum of no less than $50,000,000 in damages.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 6 May 2025
The following summer, Spurs paid sizeable sums for Richarlison and Yves Bissouma and completed the deal to sign Cristian Romero after a season-long loan.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
As The Hill headline sums it up, two justices (Chief Justice John Roberts and Coney Barrett) could very well control the fate of the president at the Supreme Court.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025
To sum it up, Billie Jean King is a gamechanger on every level.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
Noun
-
Raleigh is this summer's cheapest destination for a total of $1,036, followed closely by Jacksonville, Florida, at $1,044.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
13 May 2025
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Additionally, Queen Bey has now played more shows at SoFi Stadium than any other artist in the venue’s history, with a total of eight, counting 2023’s RENAISSANCE tour.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
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But his summary of the key moment is a nice analysis of the risk-and-reward of shooting for the near post, rather than crossing.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
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Liquidity management teams adjust positions throughout the day using streaming market data, instead of waiting for end-of-day summaries.—
Murugan Lakshmanan,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Thanks to the chunky heel and platform, these shoes will give you some height while still being easy to walk in.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
8 May 2025
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Popular evergreen options like arborvitae, especially slender types such as Forever Goldy Arborvitae, offer height without taking up much space.—
Debbie Wolfe,
Popular Science,
8 May 2025
Noun
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La Pinta, the expedition yacht There is simply no better way to get to the heart of Galápagos’ true magic and essence than aboard a ship—and none is better equipped for that task than La Pinta.—
Duncan Madden,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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Each formula is powered by the nourishing properties of guava fruit essence and Kakadu plum extract—two superfruits rich in vitamins A and C, known to support scalp health, restore hydration, and help prevent breakage.—
Essence,
Essence,
13 May 2025
Verb
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This confrontation between Chinese and Western weapons represents not just a bilateral conflict but a proxy test of rival global military technologies – adding another layer of great-power competition to the crisis.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
10 May 2025
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Scrape down sides of bowl, and add honey and lemon zest and juice.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
Noun
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Mario Tama / Getty Images Many in the U.S. outside of the path of totality saw a partial solar eclipse, when the moon covers part of the sun.—
Nicole Brown Chau,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2025
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This eclipse will have no period of darkness, known as totality.—
Carlyn Kranking,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Arches National Park is known for its colorful stone arches, pinnacles and balanced rocks.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2025
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Most apropos is that the statue will be forged by fire, an analogy perfectly befitting Staley and her journey to this pinnacle.—
Chantel Jennings,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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When roots are a few inches long, pot the plant up in a container filled with potting medium.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
9 May 2025
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The mom believes the root of the conflict is entitlement.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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