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

Read on for the full 2026 lineup, with all synopses and competition details provided by the festival. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026

The book, per its synopsis, follows three women across generations, each affected by a magical ability. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Through a series of prison visits with a volunteer named Jacki (Thompson), Yarris, as the synopsis states, traces a life shaped by impulse and consequence. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026

Their world is upended when a new neighbor moves in across the street, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light, and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood, according to a synopsis from the producers. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 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)