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summarize

verb

sum·​ma·​rize ˈsə-mə-ˌrīz How to pronounce summarize (audio)
summarized; summarizing
Synonyms of summarizenext

transitive verb

: to tell in or reduce to a summary

intransitive verb

: to make a summary
summarizable adjective
summarizer noun

Examples of summarize in a Sentence

I would like to take a moment to summarize the facts that I presented earlier. He summarized by saying we needed better planning and implementation. To summarize, we need better schools.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Samsung Galaxy Deals The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a stunning display that remains readable in direct sunlight, while next-level AI features genuinely save time, such as summarizing calls or locating pet photos with vague voice commands. PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025 The competition As the October deadline for Paris approached, the team pulled all-nighters to finalize their project and summarize their results. Bill Whitaker, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025 Each Spotify user receives an individual compilation that summarizes their listening habits that year including data such as their top listened to artists, songs, albums and podcasts. Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025 Dayflow is built around a few core tasks like scanning screenshots and summarizing users’ activity. Jasmine Cui, NBC news, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for summarize

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of summarize was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Summarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/summarize. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

summarize

verb
sum·​ma·​rize ˈsəm-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce summarize (audio)
summarized; summarizing
1
: to tell in or reduce to a summary
2
: to make a summary
summarizable adjective
summarizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on summarize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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