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

Just reading the synopsis opened some deep door in my brain. —Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026

And though Lucy and Stephen are trying to leave the past behind, the official synopsis warns that their friends may not be so lucky. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026

The official synopsis for The Housemaid's Secret adaptation hasn't been released yet, but it's expected to follow the same twisty storyline that made McFadden's sequel a massive success. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026

Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was abandoned at birth and endured a tough coming-of-age through the foster care system, according to ABC's synopsis. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 5 Jan. 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
• phalaenopsis

Kids Definition

synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs 

plural synopses -ˈnäp-ˌsēz 

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