greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

idiom

used to say that something is better or more effective as a team, combination, etc., than would be expected when looking at the different parts that form it
The team lacks standout players, but it has proved to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Examples of greater/better/more than the sum of its parts in a Sentence

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Young bright individuals have produced moments of supreme quality, but Spain’s collective is greater than the sum of its parts. The Athletic Staff, The Athletic, 14 July 2024 And so a life impacts more than the sum of its parts. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 And while this look is technically from last year, our collective patron saint is Sophie Turner, who paired a chocolate mohair sweater with white jeans and trendy boots for a deliciously low-key outfit that’s more than the sum of its parts. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 4 Nov. 2024 Separately, SoundCloud's consumer and professional aspects aren't particularly exceptional, but the two elements create a streaming service that is greater than the sum of its parts, especially if your audio preferences lean toward the indie scene. PCMAG, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for greater/better/more than the sum of its parts 

Dictionary Entries Near greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

Greater Antilles

greater/better/more than the sum of its parts

greater celandine

Cite this Entry

“Greater/better/more than the sum of its parts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greater%2Fbetter%2Fmore%20than%20the%20sum%20of%20its%20parts. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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