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

But this one-line synopsis also succinctly captures the film’s complexities, humor, darkness and honesty.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

So far, so clear, but even given the program’s three-sentence synopsis, what unfolds around the vain King fails to deliver narrative clarity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 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

As soon as she saw the synopsis for “Running Point,” she was intrigued.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

Some genres, such as the scholarly journal article, force an author to lay out her point in a summary, an abstract, or a synopsis.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• recap
• rundown