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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
Sure enough, March retail numbers underscore the findings: total retail sales were up 0.6 percent from February, and 4.75 percent from the same period the year prior. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Apr. 2025 The sleep aide wakes up the weary with customizable light settings and soothing sounds—not to mention, will look like total eye candy on her nightstand. Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also maintained its first place ranking in passenger count both in North America and internationally. ▪ Atlanta is followed by Dubai, Dallas/Fort Worth, Tokyo and London Heathrow in the passenger international totals ranking. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025 Sporting has a total of five roster spots remaining. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
In its fast-growing diabetes portfolio, sales of continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, totaled $1.7 billion in the first quarter, up more than 20% year over year and 30% in the U.S. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 Then, divide that number by the original marketing cost, and multiply that total by 100 to convert it to a percent. Deepak Bansal, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
Adjective
  • But the most viral clips from the show often trend for making either the suitor — or the singles — absolute fools online.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Mayor’s ball is an absolute feast for the senses; the black-and-white costumes, the massive number of performers, the layout and possibility of the space.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Any time a bird gets sick, the entire flock is killed to help keep bird flu from spreading.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • One of Kartel’s most steadfast supporters throughout his entire ordeal has been Hip-Hop icon Busta Rhymes, who attended Kartel’s trial for eleven straight days back in 2014.
    Rob Kenner, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Before starting an application server migration, ensure the middleware provider offers comprehensive migration resources and conducts a thorough review of your current architecture.
    Steve Millidge, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The manual work process was as impressive as the thorough understanding of quality choices.
    Mark Holgate, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And then squared off the trade a week later, bagging a massive sum.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This significant dip would shrink the worldwide goods trade by 1.7 percentage points, turning the total sum negative.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Each sofa will feature iconic images from Almodóvar movies and film posters, and will be signed and numbered by the director.
    Stephen Treffinger, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • After a string of box office disappointments and grumblings about high budgets, rumors have been swirling that De Luca and Abdy’s days at the top of the nearly 102-year-old studio are numbered, which the studio has denied.
    Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • New production adds just a few hundred fresh vehicles a month.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Take a page from Prada’s book, and use them to add an unexpected burst of color to an otherwise neutral look.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Justin Champagnie hit a 3-pointer, the Heat had a backcourt violation and then Carrington ruined Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s 40-point game by dropping this dagger on him.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Characterized by sheer white tones with a glossy finish, the milky nail look supplies a more natural look.
    Taylor Anderson, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In addition, the sheer number of new projects is overwhelming power system operators’ ability to evaluate them, leading to increasing wait times for new generation to come online.
    Erin Baker, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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