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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
Llewellyn-Jones, the former Beyond Rights, TCB Media and Cineflix exec, has been consulting for Fred and will now expand her role by identifying and managing new content partnerships across both Fred and sister company Radar, as part of WTFN’s ongoing ‘total distribution’ strategy. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 May 2026 These sessile foraminifera could contribute between two and 11 percent of total eukaryotic biomass carbon in the hadal zone. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
Noun
But beginning in 2022, the Asian country launched 64 rockets and last year reached a record total of 93, marking it as the second-most productive space power in the world. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026 The hour and minute displays are set with a total of 264 black and white diamonds. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
Verb
Her bail on the five counts totaled $5,961, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 One more strap wraps over the ankle, which features a slightly bigger buckle that sits at the side of the foot, totaling seven straps overall. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • To get to work with him as an actor is an absolute joy.
    Abbi Jacobson, IndieWire, 30 May 2026
  • But the majority ruled that our liberties are not absolute.
    Diana Gitig, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • It is also written with classical punctuation, whereby a paragraph or even an entire story might be written across the duration of a single period, the narration mingling with character voices that ifntrude unannounced.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
  • His shoulders start to lean, and soon his entire body is going along for the ride, a roller-coaster rounding the corner into a death plunge.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • At speeds unimaginable even a year ago, AI supplies investors with a confident, seemingly thorough and impressively well informed analysis.
    Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • The Orioles said in a statement that the fan was identified and removed from the ballpark while the club conducts a thorough investigation, which makes sense.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The marketing is aggressive, the language sounds scientific and desperate families often raise large sums of money to fund the trips.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
  • The massive sum spent through May 26 to support or oppose the eight leading candidates is more than double what was spent in 2018 — the last time the state’s highest office saw an open contest, according to an analysis of state campaign finance data.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Five of them will be white balls numbered 1 to 69.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • The Clipper was previously called the NV100 Carry, numbering it neatly as the smallest in a van family that also includes the Caravan (NV350).
    C.C. Weiss May 19, New Atlas, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The Avs are short on draft picks and prospects to use in trades, but there are also lots of teams with plenty of cap space who might want to add one of the Colorado veterans.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • By executing a teardown the Red Sox could also restock their farm system and ideally add a new wave of position player prospects who could help the big league lineup next year and beyond.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Our house, ruined by the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, was rebuilt from the foundation up.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Undefeated this season on clay, the 15th-seeded Ukrainian player reached the quarterfinals at the French Open for the first time on Sunday by taking out four-time champion Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 and ruining her birthday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Premier Sea View rooms, complete with balconies, are the prime choices.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • And ceasefire, allowing complete unfettered access, and most importantly, a full respect for humanitarian law and humanitarian aid workers, and that simply isn't happening at all right now.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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