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 of synopsis

• 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

See here for the three-part reunion’s trailer and each episode’s synopsis. —Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026

Book synopsis and film plot are under wraps. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 22 May 2026

According to a synopsis, the character comes out of a three-week stay in a hospital for HIV treatment and pushes his health to the limit to star in what may be his final stage production. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026

An executive might walk into a meeting with an author, producer, potential directors, stars, prepared to discuss potential multi-million dollar deals armed only with Clarke’s synopsis. —Literary Hub, 19 May 2026

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

Kids Definition

synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs 

plural synopses -ˈnäp-ˌsēz 

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