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
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Ultimately, though, getting a creditor to agree to a settlement without a lump-sum payout typically requires more persistence and a willingness to work within stricter terms.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Chloé Farand summed it up for the Guardian, noting the researchers’ projection of 500,000 additional annual deaths due to inactivity by 2050.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sum
Noun
Newsom, for his part, acknowledges that many of the state’s wealthiest residents are willing to donate significant sums of money, but want to do it on their own terms and not through a tax.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Ultimately, though, getting a creditor to agree to a settlement without a lump-sum payout typically requires more persistence and a willingness to work within stricter terms.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Jones might have summed it up best.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Chloé Farand summed it up for the Guardian, noting the researchers’ projection of 500,000 additional annual deaths due to inactivity by 2050.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
Noun
-
Mehdi Bostanchi owns a ventilation and air conditioning factory, and a second producing household fans, with a total of more than 1,130 employees.—
Amir-Hussein Radjy,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
As part of his plea agreements, Jones agreed to give up a total of $73,000 and, at sentencing, could be ordered to pay additional sums as restitution.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sample ballot The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram staff,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 May 2026
-
But the summary lacks any kind of detailed explanation of which tests were run and under what conditions.—
Cyrus Farivar,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The documentary chronicled the height of outlaw country, which saw Coe in good company — Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, and the Charlie Daniels Band are also featured.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Cut up to half the sedge's height in early spring to thin it out.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In his first Inaugural Address, on March 4, 1861, with seven states having already seceded from the Union, Lincoln proclaimed the essence of secession to be anarchy.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The parks commissioner, the infamous Henry Stern, loved the version of the plan which, in essence, extended the Park’s south end entrance.—
Lucius Riccio,
New York Daily News,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
Junior Brittney Friedman, a Towson commit, added three goals and two assists while senior Lily Svirsky (Columbia University signee) recorded two goals.—
Alex Kushel,
Sun Sentinel,
3 May 2026
-
Tyrese Maxey added 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.—
Kyle Hightower,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Formal theories encompassing the totality of mathematics do not concern them.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The speed and totality with which this happened shocked everyone except Mother, who said with pride that this aggression was what being a man meant.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
He was particularly intrigued by schizophrenia—the pinnacle of madness and the most complex puzzle of all.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Still, the pinnacles of the heartland-rock canon continue to thrill us in unexpected ways.—
Jack Hamilton,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As a city that is always negotiating with modernity, the tradition of jol khabar remains a comforting anchor, binding generations to their cultural roots and evoking nostalgia.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The ancient technique used by Indigenous farmers helps direct rainfall to their roots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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