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 the official synopsis for Landman Episode 10, Monty's wife Cami will talk with Tommy about her options while the drug cartel that has been chasing Tommy throughout Season 1 is preparing to make a bold move. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

Here’s the official synopsis for the limited story aspect of the season, which involves the Fantastic Four fighting…Dracula. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

In it, the sheriff chases O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s Donnie Wilson through Europe to stop a diamond heist, according to the synopsis. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Snow blew from the west and blocked the plow driver’s view and the plow’s driver applied the brakes, according to the crash synopsis. —NBC News, 7 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)