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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
As the first Egyptian astronaut—and the first Arab and African woman in space—her career has been shaped by brutally early mornings, periods of total isolation, and even digital detoxes from social media to toughen her mental focus. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025 Dreamegg Sound Machine If hotel noises, traffic rumbles, or total silence keeps you from getting sleep, this compact sound machine may become your best travel companion. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
Boise State was whistled for 10 offensive penalties for a total of 78 yards Saturday, and also committed three on defense for 34 yards. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 4 Oct. 2025 The crew spent a total of 183 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest continuous spaceflight by Chinese astronauts. Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
Consequently, holiday results which are typically totaled based on November and December selling, or the fourth quarter which runs from November through January, will be depleted. David Moin, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025 The office buildings, totaling 18,573-square-foot on Trade Street between North Myers and North Alexander streets, are home to several attorneys’ offices. Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • Get Down with Dinos For fans of quirky roadside attractions, a visit to Dinosaur Land in nearby White Post is an absolute must.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Achieving a 34 percent reduction in absolute emissions from the company’s FY20 baseline.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But every once in a while, someone shifts your entire perspective.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a bit too much fruit notes and kind of a younger whiskey feeling to WLW this year, although out of the context of the entire collection this is not a bad pour at all.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s inspectors carry out regular and thorough checks on the workshops selected and employed by Tod’s.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Its thorough filtration process captures pollen, dust, and other small particles, while also absorbing odors and fumes.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those enormous sums of money flow to seemingly everyone except the student athletes.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The sum that borrowers need to repay depends on several factors, including how expensive the colleges are, and whether borrowers had enough savings to pay tuition up front.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fortunately, the crowds numbered only in the hundreds.
    John E. Herbst, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Your job is to reassemble them into the original novel (unfortunately for you, the pages aren’t numbered).
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • MacLean added that Venezuelans with TPS who are currently in custody and lack any other form of protection will now face a serious risk of deportation.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Hershey’s Chocolate World also adds a layer of fall fun with trick-or-treating throughout the world’s largest candy store, character meet-and-greets, and new treats to try.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Or pursue the rancid criminal element across the galaxy as a bounty hunter, making your fortune by ruining bad guys' lives.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Nothing ruins a trip faster than your suitcase not showing up at baggage claim, right?
    Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The sheer expanse of places to see in Japan is astounding.
    Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Sources of succor and disquiet—currents which Winter has ridden in life and art—each female elder is a maternal presence who offers complementary textures to the tapestry Winter has woven from threads of experience and sheer imagination.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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