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

The official synopsis for episode eight of Daredevil: Born Again is not yet available. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

The official episode synopsis explains that Robert Daly has died, but now the cloned crew of the USS Callister – helmed by Captain Cole – is marooned in an infinite virtual universe, battling for their digital lives while trying to out-maneuver 30 million players. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025

According to a synopsis, the reality series will take an unfiltered look at Paul and his brother, Jake Paul. —Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025

But as the synopsis suggests, Matt’s greatest obstacle is his lifelong love of the movies he's now been tasked to ruin. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 26 Mar. 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

Rhymes for synopsis

• arabidopsis
• phalaenopsis

Kids Definition

synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs 

plural synopses -ˈnäp-ˌsēz 

: a brief statement or outline (as of a story)