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

The social worker summarizes case information to use in diagnosis, treatment and dispositional release, and may diagnose and/or collaborate in the formulation of a diagnosis. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 10 Feb. 2025

This content was summarized by generative artificial intelligence using public filings retrieved from SEC.gov. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025

Part of the great economic results is the result of economic policies of the Biden administration, some of which are summarized below. —Kerry Meagher, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Williams will explain how the population of this bird at the Hal Scott Preserve is monitored and summarize the work that has been done to recover this population from the brink of extirpation. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025

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