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

• abstract
• breviary
• brief
• capsule
• conspectus
• digest
• encapsulation
• epitome
• inventory
• outline
• précis
• recap
• recapitulation
• résumé
• resume
• resumé
• roundup
• run-through
• rundown
• sum
• sum-up
• summa
• summarization
• summary
• summing-up
• wrap-up

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 | [e-mail], 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

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

Kids Definition

synopsis

noun

syn·​op·​sis sə-ˈnäp-səs 

plural synopses -ˈnäp-ˌsēz 

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