total 1 of 3

adjective

ˈtō-tᵊl How to pronounce total (audio)
Definition of totalnext
1
as in absolute
having no exceptions or restrictions had total power over the people of that country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in entire
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it gave us a total rundown of the events

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in thorough
trying all possibilities this was total war as far as the military was concerned, and no weapons system was off-limits

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

total

2 of 3

noun

as in sum
a complete amount of something that's the total for our wheat harvest this year

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

total

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to number
to have a total of two and two total four

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to add
to combine (numbers) into a single sum total all the receipts and tell me how much I owe you

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of a powerful hurricane totaled the house some years ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office estimated that the total damage will cost car owners several thousand dollars. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
Eleven states executed a total of 47 people in 2025, the highest number since 2009. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 The city council agreed, voting 4-0 to uphold the assessed totals, including the fraud penalty. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
The house was built in 1989 and the living area totals 4,782 square feet. — Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 The Minnesota United midfielder failed on two penalty kicks in a draw with UANL Tigres on Friday, but the Argentine totaled two goals and an assist in a 3-1 win over Atlante in the third and final Leagues Cup match Tuesday at Allianz Field. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for total
Recent Examples of Synonyms for total
  1. absolute
  2. entire
  3. thorough
  4. sum
  5. number
  6. add
  7. ruin
  8. complete
Adjective
  • The scent wraps rose water, Damascena rose essence and absolute, and centifolia rose in soft, sweet notes of green almond, pink raspberry, and a touch of mauve violet.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Stewart, having the absolute time of her life, allows the cool persona she’s cultivated across the modern indie scene to give way to an insecure brattiness that’s wonderfully refreshing.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • As a result of her refusal, the entire kingdom is cursed to live without love and anyone who steps foot inside it is also cursed.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Monday's meeting will be open to the entire church body, both sides said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of entire
Adjective
  • The most thorough study of day trading, following every trader in Taiwan for fifteen years, found that the large majority lose money and fewer than one in a hundred make a reliable profit after costs.
    — Daniel Schlaepfer, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Following last year’s automatic reactor shutdowns, EDF conducted a thorough safety review alongside the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorough
Noun
  • The idea is to encourage investment in infrastructure, but a particularly benevolent owner could pour in vast sums that could then be used on the squad.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This surge in debt issuance — including less-visible forms of leverage — is sharpening the focus on whether the eventual returns from AI infrastructure can justify the vast sums being spent.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sum
Verb
  • Using your phone less The days of switching between apps to complete a task could be numbered.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Teen takeovers are when large groups of teenagers, sometimes numbering in the thousands, are drawn to specific areas of a city mostly through social media posts, and usually result in chaos and arrests, authorities said.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of number
Verb
  • The drones also targeted the residence of the head of the protection agency, the statement added.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Take a styling cue from this showgoer and add a pop of red—or two.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of add
Verb
  • Campione said her campaign was focused on protecting rural lands from being annexed into cities for rural subdivisions and stopping activities that could ruin water quality or override property rights.
    — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But the mellow vibes are ruined when a goofy case of mistaken identity results in Frankie coming home with a briefcase containing several vials of a glowing orange goo.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of ruin
Adjective
  • Howard County initially approved permits for the project but revoked them in February 2026, when construction was nearly complete.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, no proper French meal would be complete without wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete

Phrases Containing total

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tot
total
totaled
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Cite this Entry

“Total.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/total. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of total for Spanish Speakers

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