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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

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

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
The musician’s overall audience has grown by 50 percent on the streaming app over the same period, with total streams up 70 percent. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2026 In the official censure resolution document, Ko is stated to have been absent for 37 out of 57 total meetings since May 2023. Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
Overall, the 33 total medals (won by any country) also set a record for a Winter Games held outside North America. Sari Hitchins, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026 The agency says this penalty usually grows by five percent of the unpaid taxes for each month the return is missing, up to 25 percent of the total. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
The grant for the Woodland Street property was among 38 totaling $63 million spread out over 22 towns and cities in the state. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 Relatives of the women reached a settlement totaling more than $32 million with the state, the city of Encinitas and coastal property owners. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • This is an ideal solution for technically adept web admins who prioritize cost-effectiveness, absolute control, and performance.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 8 Mar. 2026
  • This is your absolute minimum savings target for your emergency fund.
    Christine Benz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In some cases, entire families sign up to record video, speech and images for AI training to supplement their income.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The entire company has been brought to a standstill.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Documents concerning UAPs are commonly ensnared with such sensitive intelligence that could impact national security if publicly disclosed, and would implicate a thorough declassification process.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Of course, everyone wants to believe their dishes are getting a thorough cleaning, but there are a few dishwashing mistakes many people make when completing this household task.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The purchase for an undisclosed sum is meant to boost Anduril’s capabilities in space domain awareness, battle management and fire control.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The 12-figure sum aims to expand and improve networks, workforce development and technological innovation.
    Victoria Baeza Garcia, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Rivian global workforce numbered 15,232 at the end of 2025, including a joint venture with VW, according to the annual report.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Five of them will be white balls numbered 1 to 69.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Coach’s West Pack is designed with a mix of signature coated canvas, smooth calf leather, and a suede varsity stripe that adds a sporty and trendy touch to the simple black color scheme.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The breathable, skin-friendly backing keeps it comfortable for all-day wear, while RFID-blocking material adds an extra layer of protection for cards.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • People suffer and the country becomes ruined.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Anti-Chafe Stick With sweaty bodies and lots of walking often comes chafing, something that can ruin a day in a theme park faster than a thunderstorm.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Bahrain and Qatar have effectively halted production of oil and LNG, keeping output at a trickle to avoid complete shutdowns that could damage reservoirs and delay restarts.
    Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • No capsule wardrobe is complete without a classic shift dress.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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