Definition of totalnext
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total

2 of 3

noun

total

3 of 3

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
Please adjust the total quantity of ‌iPhone Duo‌ in your order before checking out. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026 The Challenge Beneath The Opportunity As compelling as the case for total automation may seem, a critical tipping point exists where hyper-efficiency begins to destroy value. — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
Golden State center Kiah Stokes recorded four blocks in the first half to add to the team’s total of 10. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 Stockton’s two interceptions doubled his previous season total through six games. — Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
Between August 2022 and March 2023, MDR Group received from the IRS six refund checks totaling $256,906. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Wiggins totaled 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field, 1-of-3 shooting from behind the arc and 4-of-5 shooting from the foul line, two rebounds, one assist and two steals in 15 minutes. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • The slap on the wrist capped an otherwise strong Celtics debut for the nine-time All-Star, who was putting on an absolute clinic.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Milanese Suite combines elegance and spaciousness with absolute comfort.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Charlotte was down by 35 points after three quarters, and the entire fourth quarter amounted to garbage time.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • One of them is José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, 42, who applied for citizenship in October 2025 after living in the country for 40 years and spending his entire adult life as a legal permanent resident.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The cost of a thorough review is small compared with the consequences of an expensive commitment based on incomplete information.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • What sets the podcast apart is that Opipari is not a songwriter, but his love for music and the writing process is apparent in his thorough interview style.
    — Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • SpaceX is seeking to raise an extra $40 billion in debt to help fund the campaign, but even fans on Wall Street question how SpaceX will raise the massive sums required.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Attorneys for New Mexico had sought $35 billion to $40 billion, arguing that the company would only change its ways with a sum that affected its stock price.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Police said groups numbering from several hundred to more than 1,000 people formed unauthorized marches across central Paris on Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Autograph tickets will be numbered, with fans who purchase earlier receiving priority placement in line, the store said.
    — Raul Trey Lopez, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Janabi said one of the biggest challenges has been persuading those who are infected to seek medical assistance, adding that some deaths occur in the community outside of health centers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Small had 91 yards and a touchdown, while Dwyer added 150 yards.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Burdick seemed to have drawn directly from McCarthy’s experience, the hopelessness of fighting with his father over a world his father had already ruined, the surrender to indulgence and mindless violence because…why not?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Each room is also outfitted with a Yale smart lock, which means there’s no room for that horrible feeling of losing a room key to ruin your vacation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Great part was my wife was in complete symphony on it instantly, and that actually was a wonderful bonding moment.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • With just more than a third of the season complete, the Rams are 2-4.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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