The right overall synonym depends on whether you are summing up a view or adding up numbers: on the whole, in general, all in all, total and broad are the most useful. As an adverb it introduces a judgment, and as an adjective it describes a whole amount.
Writers lean on overall at the start of closing paragraphs, which is why teachers flag it. You will find every common swap below, how formal each one sounds, and where it goes in a sentence. For more linking words, visit the transition words hub or compare in conclusion.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
on the whole, in general, all in all, totalPart of speech
Adverb and adjectiveMost formal
by and large, aggregateMost casual
all in all, mostlyAntonyms
partly, specifically, in detailWatch out
In conclusion ends an essay. Overall can sum up a single paragraph.
Overall synonym choices by job
| Job in the sentence | Swaps | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Sum up a view | on the whole, all in all, by and large | On the whole, the trip went well. |
| State a general trend | in general, generally, broadly | Prices broadly held steady. |
| Close an argument | in summary, to sum up, ultimately | Ultimately, the plan saves money. |
| Total amount | total, combined, entire | The total cost was lower. |
| Wide scope | general, broad, comprehensive | We need a broad view first. |
From chatty to formal
The chips at the top go from relaxed to formal. All in all sounds warm and spoken. Mostly is plain but softer, since it admits exceptions. On the whole works in nearly every register. In general is a touch more neutral and suits reports. By and large sounds polished and a little old-fashioned, which can be nice in a speech.
As adjectives, aggregate is the most formal and lives in finance and statistics.
Where the swap goes in the sentence
Overall moves easily: at the start, at the end, or before a noun. Its synonyms do not all follow.
- On the whole and all in all sit best at the start with a comma.
- Generally and largely often go before the main verb or adjective: the reviews were largely positive.
- Total and combined must go before a noun: the combined score.
- Ultimately carries a sense of finally, so it fits only when you are reaching a last point.
Swaps in practice
- Overall, the event was a success becomes all in all, the event was a success.
- The overall cost is high becomes the total cost is high.
- Overall, students prefer online tests becomes in general, students prefer online tests.
- The overall goal becomes the broad goal or the main goal.
- Overall, I agree becomes by and large, I agree.
A product review says: "Overall the screen is great. Overall the battery is weak." Two summaries in a row clash. Better: "The screen is great, though the battery is weak. On the whole, it is worth the money."
Another word for overall in essays and reviews
In an essay, use one summing-up phrase per section at most. In summary fits a final paragraph, while broadly or in general works mid-argument. In product or hotel reviews, all in all feels personal. Reports and business slides like in total for numbers and generally for trends.
If you want a word that points to the final result, ultimately and finally have their own pages, and therefore helps when the summary is a logical result.
Opposites and false friends
The opposite of overall is a narrow focus: specifically, in detail or partly as adverbs, and partial or particular as adjectives. Overly is not a synonym at all; it means too much. Overalls is a piece of clothing, so keep the s off when you mean in general.
Frequently asked questions
What can I say instead of overall in an essay?
In general, on the whole and broadly fit the body of an essay. In summary or to sum up suit the final paragraph.
Is overall formal or informal?
It is neutral and works in both. By and large and in general sound slightly more formal, while all in all sounds more spoken.
Can I use total instead of overall?
Only for amounts. The overall cost and the total cost mean the same, but total cannot replace overall at the start of a sentence.
What is a synonym for overall goal?
Main goal, broad aim, chief objective or big-picture goal. Main is the plainest and works in almost any document.
Does overall need a comma after it?
At the start of a sentence, a comma is usual: Overall, the plan works. Before a noun, as in overall score, no comma is used.