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

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

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)