the sum of

idiom

1
: an amount of (money)
I paid the sum of $500.
2
: the result of (adding two or more numbers together)
The sum of 5 and 7 is 12
3
: all there is of : the whole amount of
Working odd summer jobs has been the sum of my experience so far.

Examples of the sum of 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.
By Lynda Balslev | Tastefood Bowl food is a one-dish meal that is more than the sum of its distinct parts. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025 All these little touches add up to a chocolate Bundt that is far more than the sum of its parts. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025 Like the 6th edition Blend of Mashbills, PHC 19 is greater than the sum of its parts. Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Backed by medical research, a horrifying model of the sum of these risks has now been created. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the sum of

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“The sum of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20sum%20of. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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