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

The book was inspired, in part, during a particularly difficult week in Gage’s life, per the memoir’s synopsis. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025

Popular on Variety Set against the backdrop of Vallejo, Calif., during the late 1980s, the film paints a vivid picture of a city in freefall, according to the official synopsis. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025

But Twin Peaks’ many aficionados know that this synopsis belies its true genius. —Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025

What follows is a synopsis of the central points: The panel began with the NGO, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)’s Executive Director, Emma Wheatley answering the question: Are we destined to forever chase outbreaks? —Steve Brozak, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

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)