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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
Their flight brought the total number of people who have flown on suborbital flights to 123, according to the Association of Space Explorers. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 29 June 2025 Zito, who has been a finalist each of the past three years and four times total in his five seasons with the Panthers, received 12 first-place votes and was on 30 of 42 total ballots. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
Noun
Regardless, due to the extremely limited numbers, this example—with a total of 389 miles on it—is sure to see bidding go ballistic. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 June 2025 Joe Raedle/Getty Images What To Know A total of 50 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip of the 251 people abducted by militants from the Palestinian group Hamas during its unprecedented October 7 attacks in 2023— surprise assaults on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Verb
The 6-foot-9, 252-pound Reese played four full seasons at Maryland and totaled 1,488 points and 1,015 rebounds, joining Len Elmore as the only two players in school history to reach 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025 On Wednesday, the FTC confirmed that nearly 970,000 payments, totaling more than $126 million, will be distributed on June 25 and 26. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • Remaining calm under pressure is an absolute must here.
    Bill Rokos, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • However, the overall absolute risk is still small, according to the researchers.
    Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s more than the entire population of Bergen — or more than Trondheim and Stavanger combined.
    Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The entire staff of Variety.com shared in the publication winning the coveted award for best website for a traditional news organization.
    William Earl, Variety, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • When developing a data infrastructure for healthcare, your first task is thorough planning and design.
    Salman Shahid, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The formula provides a gorgeous lather and gives my hair and scalp a thorough cleanse without leaving my strands feeling stripped.
    Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • In arithmetic progressions, there are many groups of numbers that have the same sum.
    Leila Sloman, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • Their professions range from sales representatives to community coaches, and Auckland’s winnings of roughly €4 million ($4.5 million) from the Club World Cup—peanuts to elite clubs—is a fortune for an entity and federation not used to dealing in such sums.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Now that’s been done, and Garcia has been announced and unveiled at the Joan Gamper CT, the veteran’s days between the sticks as Hansi Flick’s number one are believed to be numbered.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Olli Jokinen’s jersey made an appearance, his name and number a nod to earlier, scrappier days.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The tour has been selling out, with Lorde adding additional dates in each city.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025
  • The same reviewer added that the front seams help keep the jeans from bunching.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • And just like that, Donald Trump ruined something else.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Felipe Cardenas: Due to sheer numbers and commitment, Boca’s ultras and travelling band of die-hard fans lit up the tournament.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Her Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress was a mermaid-style lace gown with sheer long sleeves and a high neckline.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Emily Trainham , Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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