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

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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.
Luxor, Egypt Luxor, in southern Egypt, will enjoy the longest duration of totality during the solar eclipse that will blot out the sun in parts of Europe, the Middle East and Africa on August 2. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 The Fall-Off, like many double-disc efforts before it, is not without blemish, but is masterful in its totality. — Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2026 Crucially, heading inland doesn't sacrifice too much totality. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026 We’re usually not supposed to look directly at the sun except during the glorious totality of a solar eclipse. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totality

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