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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
In total, the ACP says the canal handled 324 tankers in April. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 12 May 2026 Since Slot took over Gomez has largely remained a back-up option with a total of 12 league starts across the past two seasons. James Pearce, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Verb
The Japanese giant has invested more than $30 billion in OpenAI, with its investment gains in the company totalling $45 billion in the year ended March. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 13 May 2026 Net losses totaled $256 million, swinging downward from $469 million in net income. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 13 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
  • According to our models, when a massive, Population III star reaches the end of its life, its core collapses into a black hole, but the resulting supernova explosion isn’t energetic enough to blow the entire star apart.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
  • That doctor said Foxx had a brain bleed that had led to a stroke, the comedian said, and his sister continually prayed during his entire operation.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 13 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
  • The trial, of course, is centered on whether OpenAI abandoned its charitable founding mission as its for-profit arm fundraised record sums from Microsoft and others and its parent company restructured into a public-benefit corporation.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • Now the company seeks to expand on last year’s win by spending vast sums — putting up more than $70 million so far — on a California ballot measure campaign to cap attorney fees in car crash cases.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 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 14 May. 2026.

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