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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
Most expect a total increase of no more than 250,000 barrels per day this year and less than 500,000 barrels per day in 2027. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 7 May 2026 Minnesota has played 13 total matches so far this year. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
Noun
An additional 40 animals were released the following year, bringing the total to 71. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026 Mattingly went 446-363 with the Dodgers and 443-587 with the Marlins, for an overall 889-950 total record. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson led the NFL last season in yards from scrimmage, totaling 2,298 to go along with his 11 touchdowns. Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 May 2026 Mexicans total 3,549 residents in the district, according to 2025 data from the Madrid City Council. Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • Speaking of which, the fine folks on X had an absolute field day at Kiffin's expense, giving the new Tigers head coach a taste of his own medicine.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
  • Weekend Sales Snapshot April showers have come and (hopefully) gone, and some of my favorite brands are finally blooming this May… with the weekend’s absolute best deals.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • At a time when the football commentariat in Italy is proposing that the entire system of Italian football be demolished, Sassuolo act as a reminder than not all is bad.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • In less than 24 hours, the deadly flames reduced the entire city to ash, displacing generations of families overnight.
    Samantha Stokes, Essence, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The bureau recommends logistics companies take thorough security measures like independently verifying shipment requests and pickups using secondary methods prior to releasing any loads, as well as implementing multi-channel verification for identities.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026
  • Detectives with the police department investigated the fraud through a thorough review of the chamber’s financial records.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Turner then turned his attention to philanthropy, giving away huge amounts of his wealth to support global causes, including $1 billion to the United Nations Foundation and other sums to support the environment and nuclear non-proliferation.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 May 2026
  • It that transforms the humble potato into something greater than the sum of its parts, just like the bread that was a Garfield favorite.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • The days of easily surfing the internet to find the perfect home may be numbered.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • Additionally, limited edition releases that are hand-numbered are typically more valuable than those that are not.
    Nina Derwin, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Junior Brittney Friedman, a Towson commit, added three goals and two assists while senior Lily Svirsky (Columbia University signee) recorded two goals.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
  • Tyrese Maxey added 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
    Kyle Hightower, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Scrubbing can ruin the finish on fabric, especially upholstery.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
  • Safeguarding the location of the Bezos’ party could save the man Forbes calls the world’s fourth-richest person from having protesters ruin his evening.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Not when the meltdown is that complete, that historic, that humiliating.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
  • Focus on what’s essential, complete one thing well, and let that steady your pace throughout the day.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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