Synonyms of summary

summary 1 of 2

noun

ˈsə-mə-rē 

as in outline

a short statement of the main points

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• outline
• brief
• summa
• digest
• sum
• inventory
• synopsis
• summarization
• précis
• recap
• rundown
• sum-up
• résumé
• recapitulation
• roundup
• summing-up
• capsule
• conspectus
• encapsulation
• abstract
• run-through
• wrap-up
• breviary
• conclusion
• compendium
• epilogue
• epitome
• condensation
• abridgment
• curtailment
• abbreviation
• shortening
• simplification
• reprise
• compend
• rehash
• streamlining

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expansion
• enlargement
• amplification
• supplement
• addendum

summary

2 of 2

adjective

ˈsə-mə-rē 

as in concise

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 & Similar Words

• concise
• brief
• succinct
• short
• pithy
• terse
• telegraphic
• thumbnail
• compendious
• blunt
• curt
• epigrammatic
• monosyllabic
• aphoristic
• laconic
• sententious
• capsule
• compact
• condensed
• crisp
• apothegmatic
• abbreviated
• shortened
• abrupt
• elliptical
• meaningful
• abridged
• brusque
• substantial
• curtailed
• snippety
• meaty
• snippy
• significant
• well-turned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wordy
• rambling
• verbose
• diffuse
• prolix
• redundant
• circuitous
• repetitious
• windy
• enlarged
• tautological
• long-winded
• exaggerated
• circumlocutory
• expanded
• supplemented
• inflated
• tautologous
• embroidered
• pleonastic
• embellished

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of summary

Noun

Federal prosecutors can prepare an unclassified summary of any classified information being used as evidence in the case. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Michigan didn’t put the entire Sherrone Moore scandal at Manuel’s feet, but the summary released by the university pointed to numerous issues that occurred on his watch, including a failure to respond quickly to allegations of misconduct. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Adjective

The young man risked beatings that would end in summary execution for sneaking in extra food to prisoners who were supposed to be the empire’s work-and-starve-to-death slaves. — Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025

Human Rights Watch said M23’s efforts to consolidate control of Goma have involved possible war crimes, including the summary execution of civilians in February. — Michela Wrong, NBC news, 6 June 2025