synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs 

plural synopses sə-ˈnäp-ˌsēz 

1

: a condensed statement or outline (as of a narrative or treatise) : abstract

2

: the abbreviated conjugation of a verb in one person only

Synonyms

• abstract
• breviary
• brief
• capsule
• conspectus
• digest
• encapsulation
• epitome
• inventory
• outline
• précis
• recap
• recapitulation
• résumé
• resume
• resumé
• roundup
• run-through
• rundown
• sum
• sum-up
• summa
• summarization
• summary
• summing-up
• wrap-up

Examples of synopsis in a Sentence

I don't need to know every little plot twist; just give me a synopsis of the movie.

Recent Examples on the Web

For your own judgement, here’s a synopsis from the game’s Steam page: inKONBINI: One Store. —Mitch Wallace, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Discovery’s press synopsis emphasizing hope, and Gunn’s desire to bring optimism back to Superman, the teaser trailer shows a keen awareness of the reality of the world. —Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024

Its first trailer is as whacky as the synopsis suggests, introducing us to the eccentric characters that'll take us on this rollercoaster ride. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Fallen City takes place in the city of Isara, per the book’s synopsis. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, comprehensive view, from synopsesthai to be going to see together, from syn- + opsesthai to be going to see — more at optic

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs 

plural synopses -ˈnäp-ˌsēz 

: a brief statement or outline (as of a story)