synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
plural synopses sə-ˈnäp-ˌsēz How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
1
: a condensed statement or outline (as of a narrative or treatise) : abstract
2
: the abbreviated conjugation of a verb in one person only

Example Sentences

I don't need to know every little plot twist; just give me a synopsis of the movie.
Recent Examples on the Web Here’s the film’s official synopsis: Dexter Reed is down on his luck after another one of his inventions fails. Emma Roth, The Verge, 18 Mar. 2023 The official plot synopsis: Asteroid City takes place in a fictional American desert town circa 1955. Ben Flanagan | Bflanagan@al.com, al, 29 Mar. 2023 Per the official synopsis, the Discovery series will feature interwoven stories taking place in some of the most remote and harshest environments in the world — and in locations spread out over three continents. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 17 Feb. 2023 Your Enthusiasm episode synopsis. Brendan Morrow, The Week, 25 Jan. 2023 According to an official synopsis, Vol. Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 17 Jan. 2023 This is the basis for Mark Jenkin’s Enys Men, though trying to boil this waking nightmare down to a quick-and-easy synopsis is an exercise in madness. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2023 The full list, synopsis of each film in order of release According to U.S. Magazine, the couple was spotted strolling in New York City on March 24 and Darke’s outfit showed off her baby bump. Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2023 According to a synopsis from IMDB, Bode and his crew must investigate frenemy/firefighter Jake Crawford (Jordan Calloway) after he's accused of deliberately setting a slew of recent fires across the area. Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 24 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synopsis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of synopsis was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near synopsis

Cite this Entry

“Synopsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synopsis. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

synopsis

noun
syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
plural synopses -ˈnäp-ˌsēz How to pronounce synopsis (audio)
: a brief statement or outline (as of a story)

More from Merriam-Webster on synopsis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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