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

Taking time to follow up after difficult conversations by summarizing agreements in writing can further ensure that your efforts to bridge the divide are documented and clear. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Motorola’s new flip phones include AI tools that can do things like analyze what’s on a phone’s screen to provide suggestions and summarize notifications. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025

The five Missouri students aren’t publicly named in the lawsuit, but their backgrounds are summarized. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025

These cutting-edge devices are designed to streamline notetaking and enhance productivity, offering users the ability to record, transcribe and summarize content effortlessly. —Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 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