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 site requires a simplified book proposal that includes the most critical elements the publisher needs, such as a synopsis, sales arguments, comparative titles, and marketing plans. —Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Her loves, her battles, and her relentless pursuit of recognition unfold against the birth of modern cinema, the show’s synopsis reads. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025

Reading the synopsis in 2025, Jack Finney’s Time and Again sounds great. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025

As of this writing, there's no official plot synopsis for Wednesday season 3, but Gough and Millar have spoken extensively with Netflix's Tudum about what fans can expect on the next go-around. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 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)