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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beyond the cast and that brief synopsis, though, details are pretty scarce right now. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025 The official synopsis for Only Murders in the Building season five, episode nine is yet to be confirmed. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 Earlier this month, a synopsis and cast finally arrived, with Charli set to star alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Rachel Sennott, Kylie Jenner, Rosanna Arquette, and more. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025 Throughout their time in Greensbury, the family must navigate a variety of events — from new teaching jobs and memorable neighbors to a curious town legend, which may be more fact than fiction, per the book's official synopsis. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for synopsis

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

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Cite this Entry

“Synopsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synopsis. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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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