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

• 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 official synopsis reads: In summer, Nagisa and Natsuo meet by the sea. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2025

The official synopsis for Eddington, as per A24, reads: In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico. —Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025

Unless Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, or maybe Jon Jones was on the card, the casuals would simply wait to watch the highlights, read a synopsis, or find out the results in passing. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

According to an official synopsis, Air Bud Returns follows 12-year-old Jacob, who aspires to be a star basketball player. —Erin Clack, People.com, 10 Aug. 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)