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

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Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Mario Tama / Getty Images Many in the U.S. outside of the path of totality saw a partial solar eclipse, when the moon covers part of the sun. — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025 This eclipse will have no period of darkness, known as totality. — Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 During totality, the moon gradually slips into Earth’s umbra—the darkest part of its shadow—yet never vanishes entirely. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2025 In some respects, Blue Ghost’s observations came with time to spare: unlike the pulse-pounding speed of a total solar eclipse, as seen from Earth, in which totality takes only minutes, a total lunar eclipse lingers as the moon slowly moves through our planet’s shadow. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2025 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 13 May. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of totality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totality

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