totally

adverb

to·​tal·​ly ˈtō-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce totally (audio)
: in a total manner : to a total or complete degree : wholly, entirely

Examples of totally in a Sentence

That's a totally different issue. I am totally upset you can't make it to the celebration.
Recent Examples on the Web Schiff’s skulduggery was unfortunate but totally rational under the current system. David Daley, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 This rambunctious tale of not-so-scary scary monsters is utterly charming, totally surreal, and wonderfully familiar. Ew Staff, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2024 The analogy may be imperfect, but the mental-health crisis affecting the city — a problem that is partially, but in no way totally, responsible for reduced ridership on the subway — could be tackled in the same vein. Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Her reunion with Nathan is weepy and wonderful—and his decision to go live with her in Los Angeles the following season is totally warranted. TIME, 14 Mar. 2024 People who are permanently and totally disabled at any time during the year, regardless of age, can be claimed as dependents. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 But like so many other greats before her, Grande takes off from Rubber Soul to go somewhere totally new. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 Corey Gamble took Oscars night as an opportunity to debut a totally new look. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 There’s no reason to make a film that is totally American. Ed Meza, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'totally.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of totally was in 1509

Dictionary Entries Near totally

Cite this Entry

“Totally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totally. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

totally

adverb
to·​tal·​ly ˈtōt-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce totally (audio)
1
: in a total manner : wholly
2
: as a whole

More from Merriam-Webster on totally

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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