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

According to a synopsis from Netflix, the second season will see Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Myers), after solving the Andie Bell case, having to fix the fallout and stay away from any more investigations. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024

The romantic comedy follows two exes and former best friends who are forced to spend Christmas together after learning that their significant others are siblings, according to the official synopsis. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

The synopsis: For almost a century, Betty Boop, created by animation pioneer Max Fleischer, has won hearts and inspired fans around the world with her trademark looks, voice, and style. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

Deadpool, is depressed, according to a synopsis by Showtimes. —John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 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)