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

The synopsis goes on to tease dramatic domestic and international affairs, as it was revealed in the closing moments of season three that Hal and President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) had schemed to steal a Russian nuclear weapon. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Along the way, she's joined by a new generation of students that reflect the breadth of Black life on campus, according to a synopsis for the new series. — Andrea Tuccillo, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Per an IMDb synopsis, Newlyweds sees a free-spirited woman (Leoni) marry a reserved professor (Daly) after a brief, passionate romance. — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026

No synopsis for Tender Loving Care has been provided on either the San Sebastian or TIFF website. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 July 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)