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 of synopsis

• 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 show follows a private investigator, Rapp (Reid), according to the show’s synopsis. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026

Set in the waning days of WWII on the German island of Amrum, the synopsis reads, 12-year-old Nanning spends days working the farm and nights fishing. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026

Each chapter provides credits, a synopsis, and — most delightfully for Reynolds enthusiasts — production histories and overviews of the films’ critical and popular responses. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026

According to a synopsis, the book sees Mickey endeavoring to help the wrongly accused. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026

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)