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

Lawyers are already using AI to analyze evidence, summarize witness testimony, and conduct legal research. —Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

The women’s lawyers then issued a press release on Jan. 31, summarizing the claims. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025

For example, asking AI to summarize documents and then validating its findings to ensure accuracy. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 6 June 2025

To summarize the outcome: The Chiefs won the Super Bowl in an overtime thriller, and no tornado materialized, sparing Pacino and Stevens from having to shelter in bathtub. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 6 June 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