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

Really, the perks of strength training can be summarized into one word everyone loves these days: longevity (or living longer). —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 June 2024

The most poignant takeaway was summarized so eloquently by Vaughn, age 9. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 14 June 2024

The solution to Europe’s woes can be summarized in one line — a deeper, more united, more strategic Europe. —Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 14 June 2024

With four words on Friday evening, A’s manager Mark Kotsay succinctly summarized the state of affairs in Oakland. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 14 June 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