synopsis

American  

[si-nop-sis] / sɪˈnɒp sɪs /

noun

plural

synopses

1. a brief or condensed statement giving a general view of some subject.

2. a compendium of heads or short paragraphs giving a view of the whole.

3. a brief summary of the plot of a novel, motion picture, play, etc.

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synopsis British  

/ sɪˈnɒpsɪs /

noun

1. a condensation or brief review of a subject; summary

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Related Words

See summary.

Etymology

Origin of synopsis

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin, from Greek sýnopsis, equivalent to syn- syn- + op- (suppletive stem of horân “to see”; autopsy ) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

The synopsis that won by a landslide was Kim Narby’s “Saturn Returning,” expected in May.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Now, the convicted killer argues that his "torturous and inhumane" detention conditions during his trial made him incapable of making rational decisions when he pleaded guilty, according to a court synopsis of the case.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

“The Housemaid” is far from the formulaic thriller its trailers and general synopsis suggest.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

If that synopsis sounds unfair, here’s how the academic authors put it: “Rather than examining a justice’s ideology or purported method of statutory and constitutional interpretation, our focus is on outcomes.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

I mumble a synopsis and then ask if I can be silent to tan.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Related Words

• recap
• rundown