totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce totality (audio)
plural totalities
Synonyms of totalitynext
1
: an aggregate amount : sum, whole
the totality of human knowledge
2
a
: the quality or state of being total : wholeness
This … looks at the problem globally, in its totalityPhilip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org
b
: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Examples of totality 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.
But the totality of the cap hits between this year and next year would’ve been the same. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026 Emotions rose as the fleeting phase of totality continued to ebb away with the moon lost from sight behind a veil of clouds. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 25 Mar. 2026 So awe is a brief, euphoric feeling of the totality and beauty of all of existence, resulting in a reflective state of both deep wonder and calm connectedness to all things. Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2026 The 11 points and 10 rebounds don’t come close to what the 6-foot-3 Energizer Bunny contributed in totality to his team. Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for totality

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of totality was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Totality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totality. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

totality

noun
to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce totality (audio)
plural totalities
1
: a combined amount : sum, whole
2
: the quality or state of being total : entirety
rejected the scheme in its totality

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