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Definition of totalnext
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total

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noun

total

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word total distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of total are all, entire, and whole. While all these words mean "including everything or everyone without exception," total implies that everything has been counted, weighed, measured, or considered.

the total number of people present

How does the word all relate to other synonyms for total?

All may equal whole, entire, or total.

all proceeds go to charity

When can entire be used instead of total?

In some situations, the words entire and total are roughly equivalent. However, entire may suggest a state of completeness or perfection to which nothing can be added.

the entire population was wiped out

Where would whole be a reasonable alternative to total?

While in some cases nearly identical to total, whole implies that nothing has been omitted, ignored, abated, or taken away.

read the whole book

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 total
Adjective
Most expect a total increase of no more than 250,000 barrels per day this year and less than 500,000 barrels per day in 2027. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 7 May 2026 Minnesota has played 13 total matches so far this year. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
Noun
An additional 40 animals were released the following year, bringing the total to 71. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026 Mattingly went 446-363 with the Dodgers and 443-587 with the Marlins, for an overall 889-950 total record. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson led the NFL last season in yards from scrimmage, totaling 2,298 to go along with his 11 touchdowns. Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 May 2026 Mexicans total 3,549 residents in the district, according to 2025 data from the Madrid City Council. Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • And amidst delicate stripes, elastic waistbands, and flowing silhouettes, pajama pants have gone from a passing trend to an absolute staple of the contemporary wardrobe.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 9 May 2026
  • Just a force on the mound, and an absolute bulldog in terms of innings.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • At a time when the football commentariat in Italy is proposing that the entire system of Italian football be demolished, Sassuolo act as a reminder than not all is bad.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • In less than 24 hours, the deadly flames reduced the entire city to ash, displacing generations of families overnight.
    Samantha Stokes, Essence, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Before departure, perform a thorough safety check to ensure your boat is in good working condition and free of potential hazards.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
  • Located inside a 1950s building, Klaus' apartment needed a thorough renovation.
    Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Turner then turned his attention to philanthropy, giving away huge amounts of his wealth to support global causes, including $1 billion to the United Nations Foundation and other sums to support the environment and nuclear non-proliferation.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 May 2026
  • It that transforms the humble potato into something greater than the sum of its parts, just like the bread that was a Garfield favorite.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Five of them will be white balls numbered 1 to 69.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • Allen’s most expensive card ever sold publicly (his 2018 Panini National Treasures one-of-one holo gold jersey patch autographed rookie numbered 1 of 10) went for $288,000 via auction through Goldin in May 2022.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • There's also intense summer heat to worry about (an average daytime high of 105°F/41°C in Luxor), adding another layer of preparation.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
  • The Pisces Moon adds imagination to strategy and helps good ideas connect.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
  • On Friday, a pitchers’ duel was ruined by a circus act of an inning, and the Cardinals beat the Padres 6-0.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Both reiterated, however, that the investigation was still active and the translations almost complete.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Her 18-year prison sentence was suspended, but her foundation says the conditional release is insufficient and demands her complete and unconditional freedom.
    Sarah el Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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