sum 1 of 2

noun

ˈsəm How to pronounce sum (audio)
Definition of sumnext
1
as in total
a complete amount of something the sum of human knowledge on that subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in summary
a short statement of the main points the district attorney delivered a sum of the evidence against the accused that was simply staggering

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in height
the highest part or point he declared that he had reached the sum of joy when his newborn daughter was laid in his arms

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in essence
the central part or aspect of something under consideration the sum of the issue is: who will pay for this?

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sum

2 of 2

verb

as in to add
to combine (numbers) into a single sum can sum figures in his head faster than I can punch them into a calculator

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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 sum
Noun
Baseball is a highly profitable industry, small market teams are bringing in enormous sums of money, and many owners are choosing to pocket it instead of reinvesting in their rosters. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Both Democrats had already contributed large sums to their races. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
To sum it up, Galactic Racer absolutely gets what Star Wars is about. — Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Fox praised the clean space and cold beer, while Wolski summed it up best with a laugh. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sum
  1. total
  2. summary
  3. height
  4. essence
  5. add
  6. totality
  7. pinnacle
  8. root
Noun
  • After this five-man combination was outscored by a total of 25 points in 22 minutes together over the Heat’s first two games of the season, the Heat’s starters were outscored by five points in eight minutes together on Friday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
  • International and local election monitors had expressed concern about the safety and fairness of an election campaign marked by detentions, near-total government control over the media and reports of surveillance and cyberattacks against activists.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of total
Noun
  • Charms on a bracelet sold through TikTok Shop, also advertised as sterling silver, contained about 33% cadmium, roughly 3,300 times the limit, according to trade publication JCK’s summary of the report.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Pew Research Center found that users clicked a traditional result on 8% of visits when an AI summary appeared, compared with 15% without one.
    — Mark van Berkel, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of summary
Noun
  • The performance of total transparency could reach comical heights.
    — Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Construction also has already begun on a second pad, LC-36B, for an even larger version of New Glenn, and with it a new vertical integration facility that can handle the new rockets’ heights.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of height
Noun
  • Finish Skin Prep With a Toner or Essence After cleansing, a toning step can remove any leftover impurities from the pores and balance the skin’s pH level, while essences—which have a slightly thicker texture—tend to be more hydrating.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Finding the essence of a scene does not always mean moving closer or showing more.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of essence
Verb
  • To fix the chemical interference, the research team added a decoupling modulator molecule featuring ammonium ions, iodide ions, and two sulfonate groups to the precursor solution.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The victory also adds another chapter to Lula's long political career, securing him a fourth, nonconsecutive presidential term.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of add
Noun
  • The chances of actually witnessing totality at any of the major temples are probably slim.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of totality
Noun
  • This is followed by pilot projects, which, if successful, would then be scaled up across entire departments, until finally the company reaches the pinnacle of maturity with entire ways of working reimagined for an AI-ready future.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • This being a pinnacle, if invitation-only, event of the country music calendar, star power was ever present.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of pinnacle
Noun
  • Reid on Wednesday remembered a player who embraced his rural roots — Bailey grew up in Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast — and offered, ahem, a culinary tip.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The goddesses in these paintings have a serene air, with roots firmly anchored in the earth, but also a crown of leaves that sway with the wind.
    — Tatiane de Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of root

Phrases Containing sum

Browse Nearby Words

sultry
sum
sum and substance
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Cite this Entry

“Sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sum. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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