summation

noun

sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce summation (audio)
Synonyms of summationnext
1
: the act or process of forming a sum : addition
2
: sum, total
3
: cumulative action or effect
especially : the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse
4
: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions
summational adjective

Examples of summation in a Sentence

A summation can be found at the end of the report. We gave a summation of our discovery. The defense attorneys and prosecutors are set to make their final summations today.
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.
Playing a thinly disguised version of himself, Reynolds is, as Schneeberger and Neibaur point out, funny, exasperating, and moving, and Rifkin’s impeccable tailoring of the role to fit his star gives Reynolds a wonderful summation with which to end his career. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026 His two goals Wednesday night in the final Avs game before the Olympic break were a perfect summation of his impact. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026 One document that appears to be a summation of Epstein’s legal bills around the 2009-2010 time period shows a figure of about $51,000 paid to Spaeth’s company. Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 Here’s a good summation of the pettiness. Chris Branch, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for summation

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of summation was in 1760

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Summation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summation. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

summation

noun
sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce summation (audio)
1
: the act or process of forming a sum : addition
2
3
: a final part of an argument reviewing points made and expressing conclusions

Medical Definition

summation

noun
sum·​ma·​tion (ˌ)sə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce summation (audio)
: cumulative action or effect
especially : the process by which a sequence of stimuli that are individually inadequate to produce a response are cumulatively able to induce a nerve impulse see spatial summation, temporal summation

Legal Definition

summation

noun
sum·​ma·​tion sə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce summation (audio)

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