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Synonyms

sum total

American  

noun

  1. complete numerical total.

    the sum total of my savings.

  2. essence; substance.

    The sum total of research in the field.
sum total Idioms  

  1. The entirety, everything, as in I spent all day in the kitchen and the sum total of my efforts is this cake. [Mid-1600s]

Etymology

Origin of sum total

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is now Saturday, and the sum total of negotiating progress that has been made is nothing.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2026

His unconditional affection is a great reminder that my professional output isn’t the sum total of my value as a human being.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025

The sum total of these ideas is our culture, which “makes our individual lives rich and fulfilling,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

In other words, the sum total of that company’s annual contracts adds up to the equivalent of the entire U.S. budget for diplomacy.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2024

“Though, in fairness, I’ve spent a lifetime sum total of five hours in Atlanta. So far.”

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.