Thesaurus

summary

Q: How does the adjective 'summary' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of summary are compendious , concise , laconic , pithy , succinct , and terse . While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation. // a summary listing of the year's main events

Q: When would 'compendious' be a good substitute for 'summary'?

The words compendious and summary are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment. // a compendious dictionary

Q: When is 'concise' a more appropriate choice than 'summary'?

In some situations, the words concise and summary are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative. // a concise description

Q: When is it sensible to use 'laconic' instead of 'summary'?

While in some cases nearly identical to summary , laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious. // an aloof and laconic stranger

Q: How does the word 'pithy' relate to other synonyms for 'summary'?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance. // a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

Q: When might 'succinct' be a better fit than 'summary'?

The meanings of succinct and summary largely overlap; however, succinct implies the greatest possible compression. // a succinct letter of resignation

Q: When can 'terse' be used instead of 'summary'?

The words terse and summary can be used in similar contexts, but terse implies pointed conciseness. // a terse reply

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of summary

(Entry 1 of 2)

a short statement of the main points

many book reports choose to begin with a summary of the book

Synonyms for summary

Words Related to summary

rehash,
reprise

Near Antonyms for summary

summary

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of summary (Entry 2 of 2)

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning

obviously a one-volume encyclopedia can offer only a very summary account of the American Civil War

Synonyms for summary

Words Related to summary

meaty,
substantial

well-turned

Near Antonyms for summary

Antonyms for summary

Frequently Asked Questions About summary

How does the adjective summary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of summary are compendious, concise, laconic, pithy, succinct, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When would compendious be a good substitute for summary?

The words compendious and summary are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When is concise a more appropriate choice than summary?

In some situations, the words concise and summary are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description