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

To summarize, here are some steps to get started: Self-reflection: Assess your interests, values, and long-term goals. —Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

What now in Toronto? To summarize: In the first round, the Leafs jumped out to a 3-0 lead against an overwhelmed wild-card opponent and flirted with blowing the series before closing it out in six. —Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 19 May 2025

This connects to one of the most important lessons from behavioral economics, as summarized in Thinking, Fast and Slow by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman. —Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025

As the story continues, Newsweek has summarized the key events so far. —Tom Norton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for summarize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

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