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

Check out the full lineup below, with all synopses provided by the festival. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 12 May 2025

With the end of The Handmaid's Tale fast approaching, June and Moira are set to execute their dangerous plan as per Hulu's synopsis of the upcoming episode, with Serena making a big commitment. —Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025

All nine episodes are now available on Audible. Per the synopsis, the story follows a fictional sovereign Black nation located just seven miles off the coast of Georgia. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 May 2025

The full synopsis reads: Jean (James), a renowned performance artist at the height of her career, has always chosen ambition over family. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 May 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)