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
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, as each modality has its own strengths, which reflect onto the others.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for greater/better/more than the sum of its parts 
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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
The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, as each modality has its own strengths, which reflect onto the others.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 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/better/more than the sum of its parts
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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