synopsis

American  

[si-nop-sis] / sɪˈnɒp sɪs /

noun

• synopses
  plural

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.

---

synopsis British  

/ sɪˈnɒpsɪs /

noun

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

---

Synonym Usage

See summary.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• synopses
  plural

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”; cf. autopsy) + -sis -sis

Explanation

Synopsis is a noun meaning summary. Instead of reciting every line of the Shakespeare play you were assigned to read over the weekend, it might be more helpful for your classmates if you give them a synopsis of what happened. The ancient Greek word synopsis means “general view.” Synonyms include abridgment, as in a shortened version of a book, and brief, which is a legal word, and sketch, which is a quick outline of a story. Other synonyms include abstract, compendium, digest (the noun form), and conspectus.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

synopsis synopses

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

It shows how the couple faced "a monumental battle, both on a professional and personal level" to defy his health problems to move home and to stage the final gig, the official synopsis said.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2025

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

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

The logline, “A woman swaps bodies with a chair, and everyone likes her better as a chair” is easily one of the funniest film synopses I’ve ever read in my life.

From Salon ● Feb. 6, 2025

Several key central bankers, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell, appear at a variety of events today, ensuring investors have plenty of commentary, and nearly similar synopses.

From Reuters ● May 19, 2023

While the pace of that declassification has slowed in recent weeks, officials have continued to release synopses of intelligence reports on various Russian plans.

From New York Times ● Aug. 22, 2022

The sheep take action like going on strike or escaping by boat, according to the synopses published on the association’s website.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 21, 2021

By-the-by the poor Censor had to admit that he passed their plays on the strength of these inadequate synopses!

From Our Stage and Its Critics By "E.F.S." of "The Westminster Gazette" by Edward Fordham Spence

Related Words

• recap
• rundown