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

• summary

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, when his money laundering scheme lost the cartel millions of dollars, he was stuck with a web of debt and in the middle of an FBI investigation, per the official synopsis. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Per the official synopsis, Fin's unfortunate encounter will account for just a fraction of the episode. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025

Spanning seven decades, the epic drama captures the hopes and heartaches of an uprooted family, revealing the scars of displacement and the unbreakable spirit of survival, according to a synopsis from the producers. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025

The site requires a simplified book proposal that includes the most critical elements the publisher needs, such as a synopsis, sales arguments, comparative titles, and marketing plans. —Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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)