lump sum
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for lump sum, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A single payment of the whole amount at once, rather than a series of smaller instalments.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A single payment of the whole amount at once, rather than a series of smaller instalments.
“She took her pension as a lump sum instead of a monthly income.”
Opposites
2. adjective
Paid or charged as one total amount, with no breakdown into separate items.
“They quoted a lump-sum price for the whole refurbishment.”
How to use lump sum
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral; standard in finance, employment and construction contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lump sum and an annuity?
A lump sum hands you the entire amount at once, leaving you responsible for investing or budgeting it. An annuity converts the money into a guaranteed income paid at regular intervals, usually for life. The lump sum offers control and flexibility; the annuity offers certainty.
Is a lump sum taxed differently?
It often is, because receiving a large amount in a single tax year can push you into a higher band. Many pension and redundancy schemes allow a portion to be taken tax-free, with rules varying by country — worth checking with a qualified adviser before deciding.
Is lump sum hyphenated?
As a noun it is two separate words: "he received a lump sum". Hyphenate it when it modifies a noun: "a lump-sum payment".