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.

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synopsis British  

/ sɪˈnɒpsɪs /

noun

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

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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

No synopsis of the action is offered in the printed program, and Mr. Millepied’s presumption that his audience is aware of the tragedy’s plot seems reasonable.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 9, 2026

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

The general synopsis at eighteen hundred issued by the Met Office: Fitzroy, mainly northerly, four or five, becoming variable, thundery showers ...

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd

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

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

Perhaps it was the true-confessions tone of her synopses that put me off.

From New York Times ● May 24, 2021

Miles Foster wrote an encapsulated report of Dr. Brown's presen- tation with the 23 other synopses he was required to generate for the NSA.

From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Winn Schwartau

Related Words

• recap
• rundown