greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

idiom

—used to say that something is better or more effective as a team, combination, etc., than would be expected when looking at the different parts that form it

The team lacks standout players, but it has proved to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Examples of greater/better/more than the sum of its parts in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Instead of a team that’s better than the sum of its parts, the Patriots have become the get-right game for slumping NFL sides, this time leaving the Cardinals feeling good after having snapped their three-game losing streak. —

Chad Graff, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 The Denver event blends everything that makes outdoor festivals so fun, and the result is much, much better than the sum of its parts. —

Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024 What happens when three powerhouse women join forces to build something greater than the sum of its parts? —

Lien De Pau, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 The whole was so much greater than the sum of its parts. —

Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

Dictionary Entries Near greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

Greater Antilles

greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

greater celandine

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Greater/better/more than the sum of its parts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greater%2Fbetter%2Fmore%20than%20the%20sum%20of%20its%20parts. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation