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 totality—Philip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org
b
: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Synonyms of totality

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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.
During totality, the temperature could briefly fall by 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) before rising rapidly again once the sun reappears. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images A total solar eclipse darkens the skies over northeastern Spain, with Corbera dâEbre, in Tarragona, Spain, on August 12, 2026, among the locations along the path of totality. — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 For the first time in almost three decades, millions of skywatchers across Europe were treated to a solar eclipse, with parts of northern Spain experiencing its full path of totality. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026 Much has been said about the fact that a total solar eclipse won’t be visible again from the contiguous United States until August 22, 2044, but during that eclipse totality will only occur over North Dakota and Montana. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing totality

Rhymes for totality

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Browse Nearby Words

totalitarianize
totality
totalization
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Cite this Entry

“Totality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totality. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on totality

Nglish: Translation of totality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totality

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