summarize

verb

sum·​ma·​rize ˈsə-mə-ˌrīz 

summarized; summarizing

transitive verb

: to tell in or reduce to a summary

intransitive verb

: to make a summary

summarizable

ˌsə-mə-ˈrī-zə-bəl 

adjective

summarizer noun

Synonyms

• abstract
• boil down
• brief
• digest
• encapsulate
• epitomize
• outline
• recap
• recapitulate
• reprise
• sum up
• synopsize
• wrap up

Examples of summarize in a Sentence

I would like to take a moment to summarize the facts that I presented earlier.

He summarized by saying we needed better planning and implementation.

To summarize, we need better schools.

Recent Examples on the Web

Those findings are summarized and then presented in a report. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

And that can be summarized or understood, Perkins said, as several key components, such as aligning technical tools, developing the facility carbon benchmark and securing funding. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 27 Sep. 2024

Dialogue shown in italics reflects people’s statements as recalled or summarized in interviews, news stories or police or court records. —Gina Barton, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

Writing Tools will be among the first to arrive and should help with summarizing text, proofreading, and rewriting. —PCMAG, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

summarize

verb

sum·​ma·​rize ˈsəm-ə-ˌrīz 

summarized; summarizing

1

: to tell in or reduce to a summary

2

: to make a summary

summarizable

ˌsəm-ə-ˈrī-zə-bəl 

adjective

summarizer noun