1
as in absolute
having no exceptions or restrictions
had total power over the people of that country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in entire
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it
gave us a total rundown of the events
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in thorough
trying all possibilities
this was total war as far as the military was concerned, and no weapons system was off-limits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sum
a complete amount of something
that's the total for our wheat harvest this year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to number
to have a total of
two and two total four
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to add
to combine (numbers) into a single sum
total all the receipts and tell me how much I owe you
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
a powerful hurricane totaled the house some years ago
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of total
Max Bultman, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Prices increase significantly for higher trims like the Luxury Edition, or the F SPORT Handling model, with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions starting at the low $50,000s and more, depending on the specific model features and total option packages.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2026
Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Fifteen people were affected by the incident in total.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for total
Adjective
In what was a tight-checking game from the outset — the teams combined for two total shots on goal in the first 10-plus minutes, despite plenty of blocks, misses and a pair of posts — keeping that puck out of the net was huge.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Prices increase significantly for higher trims like the Luxury Edition, or the F SPORT Handling model, with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions starting at the low $50,000s and more, depending on the specific model features and total option packages.
—Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
Edmunds completed 23 of 37 passes for 190 yards, his second-lowest yardage total this season, and one touchdown.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Fifteen people were affected by the incident in total.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
Boerne is also home to the Cibolo Center for Conservation, which offers hands-on environmental education and research as well as trails throughout its two campuses totaling over 160 acres.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
-
Those bright white tees seem to be absolute stain magnets attracting coffee drips, spaghetti sauce spots, and salad dressing splashes.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Since a steamy cup of hot cocoa by your in-room fireplace is an absolute must, coffee bar stations are stocked with an assortment of artisan mixes by Sorrento, along with herbal teas and coffee.—
Jennie Nunn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Visitors can spend their entire trip switching off between the two, but be sure to take some time to explore the rocky cove beaches called calas that have made Costa Blanca famous.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The knife was recovered at the scene, and the entire incident was captured on officers’ body cameras, police said.—
Alexandra Koch , Michael Ruiz , Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Minnesota state investigators would need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation to move forward with potential state charges against the unnamed ICE agent who fatally shot Good, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Rhodes reveals that foundation repairs can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000, a hefty sum that will deter many buyers.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
-
In exchange for Sonis, Summit FC sent $120,000 to Louisville, a sum that could rise to $160,000 if Sonis hits certain performance conditions.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The pack, which at one point numbered three adults and six pups, killed more livestock than did the entire wolf population of other western states.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
In fact, seven of the top 10 most-listened to podcasts—with collective audiences numbering in the tens of millions—are hosted by men.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The warmth of these paint colors counteracts the cool light in north-facing rooms, adds depth and character, and makes the otherwise cool spaces feel inviting.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Aldo Chelsey Pumps Last but not least the D’Orsay silhouette and 3-inch heel on the Aldo Chelsey Pumps add extra allure and drama to an already sophisticated shoe.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
-
This will either change your life or ruin you.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Read on for the complete list of winners and nominees.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
His plans are complete, and permits are moving forward.—
Sarah Alegre,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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