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

However, as the synopsis notes, 2019 was the start a very tumultuous period for Osbourne. —Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

No synopsis has been revealed about Barney thus far, with the producers hoping to keep a tight lip about the movie’s plot. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 25 Feb. 2025

According to an official synopsis, the spinoff will see Wahlberg's Danny, a long-time NYPD officer, take a position with Boston PD. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

As the show’s synopsis indicates, Fola records audio of this conversation without Healy’s knowledge or consent, which is legal in Missouri but lands them in hot water in the second half of the play. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 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)