25 Other Ways to Say OVERALL | Overall Synonyms (Examples)

When we want to talk about the big picture or the full view of something, we often use the word overall. But there are many other words that we can use instead, such as general, all in all, or in total. Using different synonyms can make our speaking and writing more lively. In this article, you will discover 25 useful synonyms for overall with examples.

25 Different Ways to Say OVERALL: Another Word for OVERALL

General

The word general is often used when we want to talk about something broad and not too specific. When you use general instead of overall, you show that you are speaking about the main idea or the wider view. It helps when you don’t want to go into small details but instead want to focus on the bigger picture. This makes communication smoother because the listener quickly understands you are not pointing at one small thing, but you are covering the full situation.

• The general mood was happy.
• The general response was good.
• The general plan is working.

All in all

The phrase all in all is a friendly way to sum up thoughts. It means looking at everything together and then giving one judgment or conclusion. People often use this phrase at the end of a story, report, or talk to show what they feel after thinking of everything. This makes it useful when you want to give a full opinion. It shows balance and helps the listener feel the final point clearly.

• All in all, it was a good day.
• All in all, he tried his best.
• All in all, we are satisfied.

In total

The phrase in total is mostly used when you want to show the sum or result of things combined. It is helpful in numbers, time, or even events. For example, when you count money, hours, or items, you can say in total. It helps you show the complete amount without leaving anything out. This is a useful replacement for overall when numbers or amounts are important.

• In total, we walked ten miles.
• In total, she earned $500.
• In total, they visited five places.

Altogether

The word altogether can mean completely or everything combined. It is close in meaning to overall because it shows the full result or the entire situation. You can use it when you want to give a rounded opinion or when you want to say that nothing is missing. It can also show that something is complete or final. This makes it flexible and good for both speaking and writing.

• Altogether, it was a fun trip.
• Altogether, five people joined.
• Altogether, she felt proud.

As a whole

The phrase as a whole is used when we look at the entire group, idea, or system together. It is a great way to replace overall because it focuses on the big picture. Instead of looking at one part, you put everything together. This makes your view larger and more complete. People often use it in formal talks or writing, but it also works in daily life.

• The team, as a whole, did well.
• The school, as a whole, is strong.
• Society, as a whole, benefits.

Entirely

The word entirely means completely or fully. When you use it instead of overall, you are pointing to something that is complete without any missing part. It shows strong confirmation that nothing is left out. This word is often used to give full approval or to show that the whole situation has been covered. It is helpful when you want to stress totality in your statement.

• She was entirely pleased.
• He is entirely responsible.
• The task was entirely done.

Collectively

The word collectively refers to people or things acting together as one group. It replaces overall when you want to describe the outcome or decision of a group instead of one person. It helps to show that something is shared by everyone involved. This makes it useful for teamwork, committees, families, or organizations. It gives a sense of unity and combined action.

• Collectively, they chose the leader.
• Collectively, the class agreed.
• Collectively, they made progress.

By and large

The phrase by and large is an informal way of saying overall. It means mostly or generally. People use it when they want to give an opinion without being too exact. It allows some small exceptions but still shows the bigger picture. This phrase is often used in speaking because it sounds natural and friendly. It is a smooth way to show that, on the whole, something is true.

• By and large, people were happy.
• By and large, the plan worked.
• By and large, it was peaceful.

Broadly

The word broadly works well as a synonym for overall because it shows that you are not focusing on small details. Instead, you are giving a wide view. This is often used when making general statements or when you want to capture the large idea. It makes your point clear and helps your listener understand the bigger scope of what you are saying.

• Broadly, the idea is correct.
• Broadly, people agreed.
• Broadly, it matches our goal.

On the whole

The phrase on the whole is very close in meaning to overall. It is used to say that if you look at everything together, this is your judgment. It helps when you want to give a balanced view, where some parts may be different, but the total outcome is clear. This makes it a strong way to sum up your thoughts at the end of a talk or report.

• On the whole, it was a success.
• On the whole, he managed well.
• On the whole, people supported it.

To sum up

The phrase to sum up is used when you want to give a final, short opinion after looking at everything. It is like overall but it clearly shows you are finishing your explanation. People use it in both writing and speaking to make sure the listener understands the last message. It is helpful because it points directly to the conclusion.

• To sum up, we enjoyed it.
• To sum up, the work is done.
• To sum up, they agreed.

Altogether now

The phrase altogether now is a bit more playful than overall. It shows that something is happening with everyone combined at the same time. It is often used in group actions like singing, cheering, or team events. It can also mean that everything is taken into account together. This makes it lively and expressive when you want to show group unity or a complete result.

• Altogether now, they sang.
• Altogether now, the team clapped.
• Altogether now, they joined hands.

In general terms

The phrase in general terms is often used when someone wants to explain something broadly without deep details. It is close to overall because it shows the big picture. It is especially useful in explanations, teaching, or writing when the focus is more on the large idea than small parts. This keeps things simple and easy to follow.

• In general terms, it was right.
• In general terms, people liked it.
• In general terms, the plan worked.

In summary

The phrase in summary is a formal way of giving the last short statement. It works well instead of overall because it clearly shows that you are giving the final meaning of everything you said. It is often used in reports, studies, or meetings. But it can also be used in daily life when you want to wrap up a story.

• In summary, we succeeded.
• In summary, it was easy.
• In summary, they agreed.

Largely

The word largely is often used to show that something is true in most cases. It is a good synonym for overall because it covers the main part, even if not every detail fits. This makes it good for balanced statements where small differences exist, but the main idea stays strong. It is often used in news, talks, or writing.

• Largely, people enjoyed it.
• Largely, it was safe.
• Largely, the idea worked.

In the main

The phrase in the main is another way to say overall or for the most part. It is often used in more formal speaking or writing. It shows that while there may be some small exceptions, the main result or the big picture is clear. This makes it a reliable phrase for giving rounded opinions.

• In the main, people approved.
• In the main, it was successful.
• In the main, he managed well.

Predominantly

The word predominantly means mainly or mostly. It is used instead of overall when you want to highlight the biggest part or the most common situation. This makes it helpful in reports, descriptions, or discussions where one factor is stronger than others. It shows that while some small parts are different, the main truth is clear.

• Predominantly, the area is rural.
• Predominantly, students liked it.
• Predominantly, it was sunny.

In effect

The phrase in effect means practically or basically. It is often used to say that even if something is not official, the result is almost the same. This makes it useful when you want to show the real outcome of a situation. It is a good synonym for overall because it shows the total impact of actions.

• In effect, nothing changed.
• In effect, we agreed.
• In effect, he was in charge.

Overarching

The word overarching is often used when something covers everything or is the main idea. It is a good replacement for overall when talking about plans, goals, or systems. It gives the idea that one thing is guiding or linking all the smaller parts together. It is especially useful in formal or academic talk.

• The plan has an overarching goal.
• The project has an overarching theme.
• The idea has an overarching aim.

Essentially

The word essentially means the most important part or the true meaning. It works as a synonym for overall when you want to stress what really matters after looking at everything. It helps you focus on the core message and not get lost in details. This makes your speaking or writing stronger and clearer.

• Essentially, it is about trust.
• Essentially, they agreed.
• Essentially, he is right.

Principally

The word principally means mainly or chiefly. It is another way to replace overall when you want to highlight the main part of something. It is often used in reports or explanations to show the biggest reason or the main feature. It makes the listener or reader focus on what is most important.

• Principally, it was women.
• Principally, the aim is safety.
• Principally, it is about health.

In essence

The phrase in essence shows the basic truth or the most important meaning. It is a good synonym for overall because it explains the full idea in a short way. People often use it when they want to go straight to the heart of the matter. It works well in both daily talk and formal writing.

• In essence, it is simple.
• In essence, we agreed.
• In essence, they are the same.

Globally

The word globally can mean around the world, but it also means in general terms. As a synonym for overall, it shows the full or total view. It is often used in business, studies, or reports, but it can also be used in normal conversations. It gives a sense of wide coverage.

• Globally, prices are rising.
• Globally, people care more.
• Globally, the trend is clear.

Holistically

The word holistically means looking at everything together as one full system. It is a good replacement for overall because it shows that you are not leaving out any part. This is especially useful in health, studies, or teamwork, where all parts connect. It gives a strong sense of unity and balance.

• Holistically, the plan works.
• Holistically, the system is strong.
• Holistically, it is effective.

Universally

The word universally means by everyone or in all places. It can replace overall when you want to show that something is accepted everywhere or in every case. It is often used for ideas, values, or truths that people agree with. This makes it a powerful synonym that shows full acceptance.

• Universally, it was loved.
• Universally, people agreed.
• Universally, it is true.

Final Thoughts

The word overall has many synonyms that can make speaking and writing richer. From general to universally, each one gives a special touch. Using them helps you share full ideas, strong opinions, and complete pictures in many different ways. Try them in daily life to improve expression and flow.